Library / Problem Structuring and Decision Support Principles Framework
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PSD.4:8 - Common Anti-Patterns and How to Avoid Them

Anti-patternRepair
“Everything is connected, so include everything.”Include only what can change the named receiving use; preserve material exclusions and triggers.
“Outside scope means irrelevant.”State outside-for-now, consequence of error, and reopen condition.
“The model boundary is the problem boundary.”Let formulations and concerns challenge available variables and model convenience.
“Draw the system boundary.”Name the problem-structuring cut; establish any System-boundary or exact contextual-membership claim through its direct pattern.
“Unknown means excluded.”Separate true or false membership from an unknown evaluation; unknown does not establish exclusion.
“Scope was agreed at kickoff.”Reopen when the named observation can change the receiving result.