Model Selection

Overlaps thinking-model-router. If you already know which model fits, skip routing entirely and just invoke that model. If you don't, thinking-model-router is the single entry point — start there. This skill goes deeper on how to classify a problem and when to abandon a model once chosen. (Audit recommends merging this into thinking-model-router; for now, prefer the router as the front door.)

Overview

Every mental model has a domain where it excels and domains where it fails. Model selection is the meta-skill of recognizing which model fits which problem. The expert doesn't just know many models—they know when to apply each one. Using the wrong model is often worse than using no model at all.

Core Principle: The map is not the territory. Choose the map that best serves your journey.

When to Use

• Facing a new problem type
• Current approach isn't working
• Multiple stakeholders suggest different frameworks
• Deciding how to structure analysis
• Teaching others which tools to use
• Building decision-making processes