SYSE.5:6 - Biases to Watch

Three recurring biases matter here. Incumbent-form bias lets a function tree, current parts, or a supplier catalogue determine the candidate architecture; start from the required effect and compare materially different arrangements. Conformance-label bias lets an interface name, standard, or certificate replace project evidence; state the interface claim and test it under the relevant conditions. Fluent-generator bias lets a plausible human- or AI-generated graph outrun bearer physics; recover the claims, Systems, and unsupported dependencies.

Agents—for example, a person, team, organization, robot, or sufficiently agentic AI System—may perform candidate-generation, modeling, criticism, or trial Work when they have the needed capability and authority. For each performed Work, record the Agent, assignment, Method, observations, and claim limits. Application DPFs supply subject-specific Methods—for example, Methods for physics, software, safety, law, environment, economics, or assurance.