name: deep-reasoning
description: "This skill should be used when users need to think through a complex analytical decision, asks 'how should I approach this?' or 'help me think through...', is stuck on a difficult coding boundary, needs to plan dimensional analysis, or is building theoretical frameworks in Stage 3."

deep-reasoning

Structured step-by-step thinking for complex analytical decisions. Invokes Sequential Thinking MCP with qualitative research framing.

When to Use

Use this skill when:
- User needs to think through a complex analytical decision
- User asks "how should I approach this?" or "help me think through..."
- User is stuck on a difficult coding boundary
- User needs to plan dimensional analysis
- Deciding between interpretive alternatives
- Building theoretical frameworks in Stage 3

MCP Used

Sequential Thinking (bundled, no API key required)

How It Works

Sequential Thinking creates dynamic thought sequences that:
- Break complex problems into manageable steps
- Allow branching and revision as understanding deepens
- Make reasoning explicit and traceable
- Generate hypotheses and verify them

When to Invoke

Stage 1

• Planning manual analysis approach
• Thinking through sampling strategy
• Working through initial conceptualization

Stage 2 Phase 1

• Deep analysis of theoretical patterns from literature
• Comparing frameworks and their implications

Stage 2 Phase 2

• Working through synthesis challenges
• Integrating theoretical and empirical patterns
• Resolving tensions between streams

Stage 2 Phase 3

• Dimensional analysis for pattern characterization
• Identifying systematic variations
• Building pattern properties

Stage 3

• Constructing final theoretical framework
• Organizing evidence for arguments
• Building publication-ready structure

Invocation Pattern

When this skill is relevant, invoke Sequential Thinking with appropriate framing:

Use Sequential Thinking to work through: [PROBLEM]

Context:
- Research question: [from config]
- Current stage: [from config]
- Philosophical stance: [from config]

Please think step-by-step, showing your reasoning at each stage.
Feel free to revise earlier steps if new understanding emerges.

Example Prompts

Coding Decision

Help me think through whether this quote belongs under
"Adaptive Routine Building" or "Navigating Healthcare Systems".

The quote: "I finally found a doctor who would listen, and together
we figured out a medication schedule that actually works for my life."

Think through: What's the primary conceptual focus? Does it fit
existing concept definitions? Would it require definition expansion?

Theoretical Integration

Help me think through how to integrate these findings:
- Empirical pattern: Participants describe feeling "in control" when...
- Theoretical concept: Weick's sensemaking emphasizes retrospection...

What's the relationship? Does my data extend, confirm, or challenge
the theoretical framework?

Dimensional Analysis

Help me think through the dimensions of the "Adaptive Routine Building" theme:
- What varies across participants?
- What conditions affect how routines are built?
- Are there distinct types or a continuum?

Output Format

Sequential Thinking produces a chain of thoughts:

Thought 1/N: [Initial framing]
Thought 2/N: [Analysis of first aspect]
Thought 3/N: [Revision based on new consideration]
...
Thought N/N: [Conclusion/hypothesis]

Each thought can:
- Build on previous thoughts
- Revise earlier conclusions
- Branch into alternatives
- Express uncertainty

Integration Notes

• Preserves audit trail - Reasoning steps are visible
• Aligns with reflexive practice - Makes interpretive moves explicit
• Supports human authority - Provides reasoning for YOUR decision

Related

• MCPs: Sequential Thinking (bundled)
• Commands: /qual-think-through triggers this skill
• Skills: paradox-navigation for tensions, coherence-check for assumptions