AIM Framework glossary
Three-Question Diagnostic
Canonical definition
In order to set priors for A, I, and M before finer-grained behavioural analysis, the three-question diagnostic is a practical triage tool asking: 1. whether an audience is present, 2. whether a Salient appetitive state is active, and 3. whether strong external payoffs or threats are at stake
Explanation
This diagnostic helps researchers orient their analysis before examining detailed behavioural signatures: if an audience is present, wM is likely elevated; if the person shows appetitive deficit (hunger, fatigue, pain), wA is likely elevated; and if large external stakes (rewards or threats) are involved, both wA (if stakes threaten sufficiency) and wM (if stakes confer status) may be elevated while pure wI becomes less likely. These questions set rough priors-they rule some explanations in and others out-but do not yield final weight estimates, which require behavioural signature analysis. This three-question tool is designed for research and external observation; for individual self-assessment and source-tagging, the Two-Question Diagnostic is more parsimonious because it uses logical elimination (not-A and not-I necessarily implies M) rather than requiring judgment about multiple contextual priors.
Epistemic status
Framework-Specific Diagnostic.
Derivation
Also in the entry
Distinction from Two-Question Diagnostic. The Three-Question Diagnostic is the externally-applied tool used by researchers and observers to set rough wA/wI/wM priors before behavioural signature analysis; the Two-Question Diagnostic is the individual self-assessment tool that uses logical elimination (not-A and not-I implies M). Use the Three-Question form when analysing another Individual's behavioural context from outside; use the Two-Question form when an Individual is performing source-tagging on their own desires.
Related terms
- Two-Question Diagnostic
- Audience-Removal Test
- Behavioural Signatures
- AIM Weights (wA
- wI
- wM)
- Source-tagging