thinking-model-selection
Choose the right mental model for the problem at hand. Use when facing new problems, when current approaches fail, or when you need to match tool to context.
npx skills add majiayu000/claude-skill-registry --skill thinking-model-selection --agent claude-code
Same command for any agent — swap --agent for codex, cursor, copilot.
Weekly change comes from our own snapshots, not the repository page — it measures attention, not adoption.
# Model Selection ## 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 Decision flow: ``` Facing a problem? → Have you identified the problem type? → no → CLASSIFY THE PROBLEM FIRST → Does your usual model fit? → no → CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES → Are you using a model by habit? → yes → QUESTION THE FIT ``` ## Problem-Model Matching ### Step 1: Classify the Problem ```markdown ## Problem Classification Problem: [Describe the problem] Problem dimensions: | Dimension | Assessment | |-----------|------------| | Predictability | Can outcomes be predicted? [High/Medium/Low] | | Complexity | How many interacting
- Overview
- When to Use
- Problem-Model Matching
- Step 1: Classify the Problem
- Step 2: Match to Model Categories
- Step 3: Select Specific Model
- Model Selection Matrix
- By Problem Type
- By Domain
- Model Failure Modes
- Using the Wrong Model
- Model Overuse
- Model Selection Process
- Quick Selection (< 2 minutes)
What does the thinking-model-selection skill do?
Choose the right mental model for the problem at hand. Use when facing new problems, when current approaches fail, or when you need to match tool to context.
How do I install it?
Run `npx skills add majiayu000/claude-skill-registry --skill thinking-model-selection --agent claude-code` — it drops the skill into your project so the agent can pick it up. Swap the --agent value for codex, cursor or copilot if you use one of those.
Where does this skill come from?
From majiayu000/claude-skill-registry, a repository with 534 stars. We read it straight from the repository tree rather than a submitted listing, so what you see here is what is actually published.
Is a popular skill a good skill?
Not necessarily. Stars measure attention, not adoption — a repository can trend for a week and be abandoned. That is why we show the weekly change from our own snapshots next to the total, instead of a single flattering number.