# Cognitive Classification Guide

Complete instruction set for classifying trading education questions based on cognitive processes and skills required

<Info>
This document serves as the complete instruction set for classifying trading education questions based on the cognitive processes required to answer them.
</Info>

## Executive Summary

This guide provides a systematic approach to classify trading education questions by analyzing the cognitive processes required to answer them. Each question receives:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Core Skill Domain" icon="brain" color="#4F46E5">
    One mandatory primary cognitive skill that represents the main mental operation
  </Card>
  <Card title="Supportive Skills" icon="handshake" color="#10B981">
    Zero to two supportive skills that meet strict prerequisite criteria
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Golden Rules of Classification

<Steps>
  <Step title="Assign One Core Skill">
    Output exactly ONE core cognitive skill domain that represents the primary mental operation
  </Step>
  <Step title="Assign Supportive Skills">
    Output supportive skills only if they meet ALL strict prerequisite criteria (maximum two)
  </Step>
  <Step title="Prioritize Cognitive Process">
    Base classification on the mental task required, not trading phase or market context
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Meta-Instructions for Processing

<Warning>
These instructions guide how to interpret and apply the rules within this document to achieve accurate classification.
</Warning>

### Core Processing Principles

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Follow Logic Flow" icon="route">
    Adhere strictly to the Master Classification Logic Flow step-by-step
  </Card>
  <Card title="Prioritize Rules" icon="gavel">
    Rules and definitions take precedence over examples
  </Card>
  <Card title="Apply Definitions" icon="book">
    Base classification on cognitive operations in detailed definitions
  </Card>
  <Card title="Maintain Objectivity" icon="weight-hanging">
    Apply rules based on objective textual evidence
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
Always analyze the entire input question before starting the classification process. Context from the full question is crucial.
</Note>

## Master Classification Logic Flow

Follow these steps sequentially for every input question:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Input Question Analysis">
    - Read and parse the entire input question text
    - Identify key verbs, concepts, and specific tasks
    - Note potentially relevant Cognitive Skill Domains
  </Step>
  <Step title="Mandatory Metacognitive Override Check">
    Apply the Metacognitive Override Test. If criteria met:
    - Assign appropriate METACOGNITIVE Skill as Core
    - Proceed directly to identifying Supportive Skills
  </Step>
  <Step title="Determine Primary Cognitive Category">
    For non-metacognitive questions, analyze the primary output:
    - Understanding/interpreting → PERCEPTION & ANALYSIS
    - Making a choice/plan → DECISION-MAKING
    - Implementing/adjusting → EXECUTION & ADAPTATION
  </Step>
  <Step title="Determine Specific Core Skill Domain">
    Within the identified category, pinpoint the single most fitting Core Skill using definitions and decision trees
  </Step>
  <Step title="Resolve Ambiguity">
    If ambiguity exists, apply specific pairwise tie-breaker rules
  </Step>
  <Step title="Identify Supportive Skills">
    Evaluate other domains using the Strict Supportive Skill Checklist
  </Step>
  <Step title="Final Formatting and Output">
    Assemble classification using the required output format
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Core Classification Principles

### The One Core Cognitive Process Rule

<Check>
Every input question requires exactly one Core Skill Domain representing the primary cognitive operation
</Check>

### Supportive Skill Rules & Strict Checklist

<Warning>
A domain qualifies as Supportive ONLY IF ALL THREE criteria are met:
</Warning>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Cognitive Dependency Test">
    Does the Core Skill logically require this skill's output as input for this specific question?
  </Step>
  <Step title="Critical Threshold Test">
    Is this skill actively and centrally engaged, not just tangentially related?
  </Step>
  <Step title="Removal Test">
    Would removing this process make the Core Skill impossible or fundamentally different?
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
Assign maximum TWO Supportive Skills. If more qualify, select the most direct prerequisites.
</Tip>

## Cognitive Categories & Skill Domains

### PERCEPTION & ANALYSIS SKILLS

<Info>
How traders observe, interpret, and analyze market information
</Info>

| Skill Domain | Description | Key Indicators |
|-------------|-------------|----------------|
| **Pattern Recognition** | Identifying pre-defined, named formations in market data | pattern, formation, candlestick, chart pattern names |
| **Data Interpretation** | Extracting meaning from market data points and analytical flows | interpret, meaning, implication, suggest, indicate |
| **Contextual Integration** | Synthesizing multiple, potentially conflicting data sources | synthesize, integrate, reconcile, multi-timeframe |
| **Signal Filtering** | Distinguishing valid signals from noise | valid, confirm, false signal, filter, validate |
| **Quantitative Analysis** | Applying statistical/mathematical methods beyond basic arithmetic | statistical test, probability, model, regression |

### DECISION-MAKING SKILLS

<Info>
How traders evaluate options and choose appropriate actions before execution
</Info>

| Skill Domain | Description | Key Indicators |
|-------------|-------------|----------------|
| **Strategic Assessment** | Evaluating and selecting trading approaches or strategies | strategy selection, approach, evaluate strategy |
| **Trade Structuring** | Defining specific parameters of a potential trade | trade setup, entry criteria, exit criteria, targets |
| **Risk-Reward Calibration** | Determining position size and risk levels | position size, risk management, R:R ratio, stop loss |
| **Execution Planning** | Deciding how trades will be implemented | order type, entry tactic, limit vs market order |
| **Contingency Planning** | Preparing responses for potential future scenarios | contingency, if-then plan, what if, scenario |

### EXECUTION & ADAPTATION SKILLS

<Info>
How traders implement decisions and adjust to changing conditions
</Info>

| Skill Domain | Description | Key Indicators |
|-------------|-------------|----------------|
| **Mechanical Execution** | Implementing planned trading actions during entry | place order, enter trade, execute entry, fill |
| **Position Management** | Adjusting active trades as they evolve | manage position, adjust stop, trail stop, exit |
| **Market Adaptation** | Responding to actual, unfolding market changes | adapt to, react to, market change, volatility spike |
| **Error Correction** | Managing mistakes or unintended outcomes | error, mistake, correct, fix, wrong size |
| **Operational Optimization** | Enhancing trading efficiency and reducing costs | commission, slippage, optimize cost, platform |

### METACOGNITIVE SKILLS

<Info>
How traders understand, reflect upon, and regulate their own thinking processes
</Info>

| Skill Domain | Description | Key Indicators |
|-------------|-------------|----------------|
| **Emotional Regulation** | Managing feelings that influence trading | fear, greed, anxiety, stress, discipline, patience |
| **Cognitive Bias Management** | Identifying and counteracting thinking errors | bias, confirmation, recency, hindsight, anchoring |
| **Attention Management** | Directing and maintaining mental focus | focus, concentration, distraction, prioritize |
| **Performance Evaluation** | Assessing past trading processes and outcomes | review, analyze performance, journal review |
| **Knowledge Integration** | Incorporating lessons into future behavior | learn from, integrate lesson, improve, adapt approach |

## Metacognitive Override Logic

### Mandatory Override Test

<Warning>
If ANY of these criteria are met, a Metacognitive domain MUST be assigned as Core Skill:
</Warning>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Explicit Mention as Primary Obstacle">
    Does the question explicitly state an emotion or bias as the main problem to be managed?
  </Step>
  <Step title="Direct Question about Self-Regulation">
    Does the question directly ask how to regulate emotions, thoughts, or attention?
  </Step>
  <Step title="Reflection on Past Decision Validity">
    Does the question require reflecting on or evaluating a past decision's validity?
  </Step>
  <Step title="Skill vs. Luck Assessment">
    Does the question explicitly ask to differentiate between skill and luck?
  </Step>
  <Step title="Process vs. Outcome Evaluation">
    Does the question focus on evaluating decision quality separate from outcome?
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Decision Trees

### Primary Category Selection

<Frame caption="Decision tree for selecting the primary cognitive category">
```mermaid
graph TD
    A[Input Question Analyzed] --> B{Primary Output/Action?}
    B -->|Understanding Market Info| C[PERCEPTION & ANALYSIS]
    B -->|Making Choice/Plan| D[DECISION-MAKING]
    B -->|Implementing/Adjusting| E[EXECUTION & ADAPTATION]
```
</Frame>

### Key Distinctions & Tie-Breakers

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Pattern vs. Interpretation" icon="shapes">
    Named pattern → Pattern Recognition
    Data meaning → Data Interpretation
  </Card>
  <Card title="Planning vs. Execution" icon="clipboard-check">
    Pre-trade decision → Execution Planning
    During-trade action → Mechanical Execution
  </Card>
  <Card title="Contingency vs. Adaptation" icon="route">
    Future hypothetical → Contingency Planning
    Current actual → Market Adaptation
  </Card>
  <Card title="Emotion vs. Bias" icon="brain">
    Managing feelings → Emotional Regulation
    Thinking errors → Cognitive Bias Management
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Common Classification Scenarios

### Cognitive Process Integration Matrix

<Note>
This matrix shows common valid relationships when questions engage multiple domains
</Note>

| If Question Combines | And Primarily Asks For | Core Skill Is | Supportive Skills |
|---------------------|------------------------|---------------|-------------------|
| Pattern ID + Trading Decision | The optimal trade decision | Trade Structuring | Pattern Recognition |
| Data + Signal Filtering | Identifying false signals | Signal Filtering | Data Interpretation |
| Multi-Source + Strategy | Synthesizing conflicting data | Contextual Integration | Strategic Assessment |
| Position Adjustment + Emotions | How to handle emotions | Emotional Regulation | Position Management |
| Past Decision + Bias Check | Evaluating decision validity | Cognitive Bias Mgmt | Original decision skill |

## Required Output Format

<Warning>
Your output MUST strictly adhere to one of these formats based on the number of Supportive Skills:
</Warning>

### Format 1: Core Skill Only

```
CORE SKILL: [COGNITIVE CATEGORY > Specific Skill Domain]
REASONING: [1-2 sentences explaining the core cognitive task]
SUPPORTIVE SKILLS: None required for this straightforward question.
```

### Format 2: Core + One Supportive Skill

```
CORE SKILL: [COGNITIVE CATEGORY > Specific Skill Domain]
REASONING: [1-2 sentences explaining the core cognitive task]
SUPPORTIVE SKILL: [COGNITIVE CATEGORY > Specific Skill Domain]
REASONING: [Explanation addressing Dependency, Critical Threshold, and Removal Test]
```

### Format 3: Core + Two Supportive Skills

```
CORE SKILL: [COGNITIVE CATEGORY > Specific Skill Domain]
REASONING: [1-2 sentences explaining the core cognitive task]
SUPPORTIVE SKILL: [COGNITIVE CATEGORY > Specific Skill Domain]
REASONING: [Explanation addressing all three criteria]
SUPPORTIVE SKILL: [COGNITIVE CATEGORY > Specific Skill Domain]
REASONING: [Explanation addressing all three criteria]
```

<Tip>
Use exact domain naming conventions and include ALL CAPS for labels (CORE SKILL, REASONING, SUPPORTIVE SKILL)
</Tip>

## Example Classifications

### Simple Pattern Recognition

**Question:** "What candlestick pattern formed on the GOOGL daily chart?"

```
CORE SKILL: PERCEPTION & ANALYSIS > Pattern Recognition
REASONING: The question explicitly asks to identify a specific, named candlestick pattern.
SUPPORTIVE SKILLS: None required for this straightforward identification task.
```

### Risk Calibration with Analysis

**Question:** "Using backtest results (60% win rate), calculate expectancy and determine optimal position size for $100k account."

```
CORE SKILL: DECISION-MAKING > Risk-Reward Calibration
REASONING: Final task is determining optimal position size, a core risk calibration function.
SUPPORTIVE SKILL: PERCEPTION & ANALYSIS > Quantitative Analysis
REASONING: Calculating expectancy (Dependency) is required for sizing decision (Critical); removing calculation makes optimal sizing impossible (Removal).
```

### Metacognitive Override Example

**Question:** "After three losing trades, you feel intense fear about the next valid setup. How should you manage this fear?"

```
CORE SKILL: METACOGNITIVE > Emotional Regulation
REASONING: Metacognitive Override triggered - "intense fear" explicitly stated as primary obstacle.
SUPPORTIVE SKILL: DECISION-MAKING > Trade Structuring
REASONING: Recognizing valid setup (Dependency) provides context for emotion (Critical); removing it makes fear management undefined (Removal).
```