# Discipline Skeleton -- Comparative Analysis

**Library:** Public RAM. **Authored by:** Epistemic Output Layer (S4). **Consumed by:** S4 at Phase D overlay.

Use when the invoked Librarian discipline is `comparative-analysis`. Comparative analysis structures parallel evaluation of two or more entities across defined dimensions to reveal meaningful differences. Attach the three-axis block per dimension-level claim.

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## Native Skeleton (preserve)

1. **Comparison Question and Entities** -- what is being compared, why these entities, what is excluded.
2. **Dimension Set** -- pre-specified dimensions, each with a measurable or assessable criterion.
3. **Source of Evidence per Dimension per Entity** -- sources differ by dimension; declare explicitly.
4. **Dimension Matrix** -- entities x dimensions. Cells hold evaluation + source reference.
5. **Cross-Dimension Synthesis** -- where one entity dominates, where trade-offs sit.
6. **Fairness Check** -- what was NOT compared (out-of-scope dimensions), how missing data per cell was handled.
7. **Interpretation and Implications** -- for whom and in what context each entity is preferred.

## Overlay Hooks

- Each **dimension-level claim** ("Entity A outperforms Entity B on dimension X") is a slot.
- Typical claim type: descriptive (factual) or interpretive (framing / preference). Distinct slots.
- Fairness check is load-bearing for this discipline; Register entries flagging unfair comparisons should surface.
- Surprise Register and Search Ledger render as top-level sections after Implications.
- Methodology trace: comparative-analysis tag, dimension set origin (pre-specified vs emergent), per-entity source mix.

## Native elements that MUST survive overlay
- Dimension Matrix.
- Fairness Check section.
- Per-cell source references.

Comparative analysis transportability is dimension-specific: a dimension with stable underlying measurement transports differently than a dimension whose measurement depends on context. Transportability rationale should distinguish dimensions at this level.
