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R0020/2026-03-25/Q003 — ACH Matrix

Matrix

H1: Imperative constraints documented H2: Not discussed H3: Evolving from imperative to explanatory
SRC01-E01: Anthropic uses constraint language with context emphasis + -- ++
SRC01-E02: Anthropic says "dial back" imperative language -- N/A ++
SRC02-E01: Lakera advocates constraint-based design + -- +
SRC03-E01: Industry recommends imperative + contract-style ++ -- +

Legend: - ++ Strongly supports - + Supports - -- Strongly contradicts - - Contradicts - N/A Not applicable to this hypothesis

Diagnosticity Analysis

Most Diagnostic Evidence

Evidence ID Why Diagnostic
SRC01-E02 Anthropic's "dial back" guidance is uniquely diagnostic: it strongly supports H3 while strongly contradicting H1. A vendor explicitly telling users to reduce enforcement language discriminates between current practice (H1) and emerging direction (H3).

Least Diagnostic Evidence

Evidence ID Why Non-Diagnostic
SRC02-E01 Lakera's constraint-based design supports both H1 (constraints discussed) and H3 (emphasis on structure over enforcement)

Outcome

Hypothesis supported: H3 — Constraint language is discussed and used in mainstream guides, but the field is evolving from imperative enforcement toward contextual explanation, with Anthropic leading the transition.

Hypotheses eliminated: H2 — All sources discuss constraints in some form.

Hypotheses inconclusive: H1 — Partially supported by industry practice but contradicted by the latest vendor guidance recommending reduced imperative language.