SYNCLOGICSL-SCOPE-001
How do you prevent scope drift in AI analysis?
Scope Lock declares the question, evidence boundary, timeframe, jurisdiction and decision context before inference begins.
AuthorWalter Shepherd
Published26 July 2026
Updated26 July 2026
Version2.1.0
StatusPublic Research and Pilot Release
MethodSL-SCOPE-001
Failure mode
What this method prevents
An AI answer gradually expands beyond the population, jurisdiction, timeframe or decision that was originally declared.
Illustrative example
A review begins with Australian adult-device regulation but later cites overseas paediatric requirements. Scope Lock makes the boundary crossing visible and requires repair.
How it works
A controlled sequence
- State the precise question.
- Declare what evidence is admissible.
- Fix the relevant timeframe and currency date.
- Declare jurisdiction or operating context.
- State the intended decision and consequence level.
- Record exclusions and stop conditions.
Reliance note
The method supports governance; it does not self-authorise a decision.
Application must be proportionate to the task, evidence and consequence level. The output should state what has been registered, what remains uncertain and which authorised human or organisation controls release.