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Skeptical Inquiry Flowchart

This MicroSim presents an interactive decision flowchart for evaluating any quantum computing claim through a series of five critical questions. Each question acts as a filter, progressively testing whether a claim holds up to scientific and economic scrutiny.

The flowchart walks you through a structured skeptical inquiry: Is the claim falsifiable? Is there peer-reviewed evidence? Has it been replicated? Does it show practical advantage? Is it economically competitive? At each step, a "No" answer leads to a specific verdict, from outright dismissal to cautious monitoring.

Skeptical Inquiry Flowchart MicroSim

View Skeptical Inquiry Flowchart MicroSim Fullscreen

Click on the highlighted question diamond to answer. Clicking the left side or below center answers "Yes" and advances to the next question. Clicking the right side answers "No" and reveals the corresponding verdict. You can click any previously answered question to restart the evaluation from that point. Use the Reset button to clear all answers and begin again.

How to Use This Framework

  • Start with any quantum computing claim — a press release, investor pitch, or research announcement.
  • Work through each question honestly — if you cannot answer "Yes" with evidence, follow the "No" path.
  • Note the color coding — red outcomes indicate the weakest claims, yellow indicates preliminary or theoretical status, orange suggests monitoring without investment, and green means the claim has passed all five filters.
  • Remember that very few claims reach the green outcome. That is the point — most claims in quantum computing do not survive rigorous scrutiny.