## Research Engine — Analysis Phase (Steps 4–8)

### Step 4: Build Comparison/Analysis Framework

Based on the question type, select fixed analysis dimensions. **For dimension lists** (General, Concept Comparison, Decision Support): Read `references/comparison-frameworks.md`

**Save action**:
Write to `03_comparison_framework.md`:
```markdown
# Comparison Framework

## Selected Framework Type
[Concept Comparison / Decision Support / ...]

## Selected Dimensions
1. [Dimension 1]
2. [Dimension 2]
...

## Initial Population
| Dimension | X | Y | Factual Basis |
|-----------|---|---|---------------|
| [Dimension 1] | [description] | [description] | Fact #1, #3 |
| ... | | | |
```

---

### Step 5: Reference Point Baseline Alignment

Ensure all compared parties have clear, consistent definitions:

**Checklist**:
- [ ] Is the reference point's definition stable/widely accepted?
- [ ] Does it need verification, or can domain common knowledge be used?
- [ ] Does the reader's understanding of the reference point match mine?
- [ ] Are there ambiguities that need to be clarified first?

---

### Step 6: Fact-to-Conclusion Reasoning Chain

Explicitly write out the "fact → comparison → conclusion" reasoning process:

```markdown
## Reasoning Process

### Regarding [Dimension Name]

1. **Fact confirmation**: According to [source], X's mechanism is...
2. **Compare with reference**: While Y's mechanism is...
3. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the difference between X and Y on this dimension is...
```

**Key discipline**:
- Conclusions come from mechanism comparison, not "gut feelings"
- Every conclusion must be traceable to specific facts
- Uncertain conclusions must be annotated

**Save action**:
Write to `04_reasoning_chain.md`:
```markdown
# Reasoning Chain

## Dimension 1: [Dimension Name]

### Fact Confirmation
According to [Fact #X], X's mechanism is...

### Reference Comparison
While Y's mechanism is... (Source: [Fact #Y])

### Conclusion
Therefore, the difference between X and Y on this dimension is...

### Confidence
✅/⚠️/❓ + rationale

---
## Dimension 2: [Dimension Name]
...
```

---

### Step 7: Use-Case Validation (Sanity Check)

Validate conclusions against a typical scenario:

**Validation questions**:
- Based on my conclusions, how should this scenario be handled?
- Is that actually the case?
- Are there counterexamples that need to be addressed?

**Review checklist**:
- [ ] Are draft conclusions consistent with Step 3 fact cards?
- [ ] Are there any important dimensions missed?
- [ ] Is there any over-extrapolation?
- [ ] Are conclusions actionable/verifiable?

**Save action**:
Write to `05_validation_log.md`:
```markdown
# Validation Log

## Validation Scenario
[Scenario description]

## Expected Based on Conclusions
If using X: [expected behavior]
If using Y: [expected behavior]

## Actual Validation Results
[actual situation]

## Counterexamples
[yes/no, describe if yes]

## Review Checklist
- [x] Draft conclusions consistent with fact cards
- [x] No important dimensions missed
- [x] No over-extrapolation
- [ ] Issue found: [if any]

## Conclusions Requiring Revision
[if any]
```

---

### Step 8: Deliverable Formatting

Make the output **readable, traceable, and actionable**.

**Save action**:
Integrate all intermediate artifacts. Write to `OUTPUT_DIR/solution_draft##.md` using the appropriate output template based on active mode:
- Mode A: `templates/solution_draft_mode_a.md`
- Mode B: `templates/solution_draft_mode_b.md`

Sources to integrate:
- Extract background from `00_question_decomposition.md`
- Reference key facts from `02_fact_cards.md`
- Organize conclusions from `04_reasoning_chain.md`
- Generate references from `01_source_registry.md`
- Supplement with use cases from `05_validation_log.md`
- For Mode A: include AC assessment from `00_ac_assessment.md`