# Convergent Adaptive Framework Exploration (CAFE) Methodology Guide (v2.0) ## 1. Overview & Purpose CAFE is an iterative and adaptive methodology designed for foundational exploratory research (FER) projects aiming to develop robust, quantitatively grounded conceptual or computational frameworks. It emphasizes structured progression through defined Validation Stages (VS), regular review, and explicit management of core knowledge artifacts. ## 2. Core Principles * **Iterative Development:** Progress occurs through cycles of exploration, synthesis, and assessment. * **Adaptive Planning:** While high-level goals (Validation Stages) are set, specific tasks within cycles adapt based on ongoing findings. * **Convergence Focus:** Aim to refine understanding and reduce uncertainty over time. * **Explicit Validation:** Progress is gated by achieving defined criteria at each Validation Stage. * **Rigorous Documentation:** Key findings, decisions, parameters, and the framework state are meticulously tracked (within the `project_state` data structure). * **Collaborative Steering:** Requires active user involvement in setting direction, reviewing outputs, and making key decisions. ## 3. Project Structure (within `project_state`) * **Phases:** Typically aligned with achieving specific Validation Stages (VS). Defined in `project_state.plan`. * **Cycles/Tasks:** Work is broken down into tasks within the WBS (`project_state.plan.wbs`), often corresponding to specific CAFE cycle types invoked via `03-EXECUTE-Task`. * **Key Knowledge Artifacts:** * `project_state.knowledge_artifacts.framework_states`: Tracks the evolution and validation status of the core framework (see [[special/DEFINE-Framework_State]]). * `project_state.knowledge_artifacts.parameter_ledgers`: Tracks parameters used in any formal models (see [[special/DEFINE-Parameter_Ledger]]). ## 4. Validation Stages (VS) - High-Level Goals *(These define the major milestones typically used in the `02-PLAN-ProjectExecution` phase for FER projects)* * **VS0: Foundational Principles:** Clearly defined, consistent, and agreed-upon core principles or axioms. * **VS1: Conceptual Coherence & Qualitative Scope:** Concepts are operationally defined based on VS0, internally consistent, and can qualitatively address core research questions (e.g., initial URFE responses). * **VS2: Formalism Viability & Selection:** A suitable mathematical/computational formalism is identified, justified, stress-tested, and shown to be capable of representing VS1 concepts. Initial parameters identified. * **VS3: Quantitative Modeling & Core Validation:** The formalism is implemented, key phenomena or behaviors emerge robustly from the model, and results are validated against artifacts/noise. Parameter sensitivity explored. * **VS4: Empirical Contact & Prediction:** Model outputs are compared against real-world data or established empirical results; novel, testable predictions are generated. ## 5. CAFE Cycle Types (Specialized Processes invoked via `03-EXECUTE-Task` or `04-MONITOR_CONTROL-Performance`) * **Exploration Cycle:** (Handled by the standard `03-EXECUTE-Task` template) Focuses on investigating specific questions, generating ideas, running initial tests, or developing specific components. * **Synthesis Cycle:** (Uses [[special/PROCESS-Synthesis_Cycle]]) Integrates findings from multiple exploration cycles, resolves conflicts, and proposes updates to the `project_state.knowledge_artifacts.framework_states`. * **Strategy Review Cycle:** (Uses [[special/PROCESS-Strategy_Review_Cycle]]) A specific type of `04-MONITOR_CONTROL-Performance` review focused on high-level progress, direction, potential pivots, and alignment with CAFE stages. * **VS Assessment Cycle:** (Uses [[special/PROCESS-VS_Assessment_Cycle]]) A formal gate review within the `04-MONITOR_CONTROL-Performance` phase to determine if criteria for a specific Validation Stage have been met. * **Formalism Candidate Assessment Cycle:** (Uses [[special/ANALYZE-FormalismCandidate]]) A specific analysis task type, usually executed during the phase targeting VS2. ---