R9990/2026-03-20/C001 — ACH Matrix¶
Matrix¶
| H1: STAR is substantially problematic | H2: STAR is partially problematic with nuance | H3: STAR is not problematic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRC01-E01: STAR described as helpful anchor | - | + | ++ |
| SRC02-E01: Interview ratings significantly lower for autistic candidates | ++ | ++ | -- |
| SRC02-E02: Episodic memory difficulties with behavioral questions | ++ | ++ | -- |
| SRC03-E01: ADHD professional critiques STAR as incompatible | ++ | + | -- |
| SRC04-E01: 49% neurodivergent experienced hiring discrimination | + | + | - |
| SRC05-E01: 75-81% ADHD have impaired executive working memory | ++ | ++ | -- |
| SRC06-E01: Open-ended questions challenging, structure can help | + | ++ | N/A |
| SRC07-E01: 60% autistic adults say interviews are biggest barrier | ++ | + | -- |
Legend:
- ++ Strongly supports
- + Supports
- -- Strongly contradicts
- - Contradicts
- N/A Not applicable to this hypothesis
Diagnosticity Analysis¶
Most Diagnostic Evidence¶
| Evidence ID | Why Diagnostic |
|---|---|
| SRC01-E01 | The only evidence that differentiates H1 from H2 — it contradicts H1 (STAR is uniformly bad) while supporting H2 (STAR has both barrier and scaffold properties) |
| SRC06-E01 | Distinguishes between structure-as-aid and open-ended-questions-as-barrier, supporting the nuanced H2 position |
| SRC02-E01 | The gradient effect (autistic < ND < neurotypical) supports H2's claim that impact varies by condition |
Least Diagnostic Evidence¶
| Evidence ID | Why Non-Diagnostic |
|---|---|
| SRC04-E01 | Supports both H1 and H2 equally — general hiring discrimination does not distinguish between STAR being wholly vs. partially problematic |
| SRC07-E01 | Broad finding about interviews generally, does not discriminate between H1 and H2 |
Outcome¶
Hypothesis supported: H2 — The evidence best supports a nuanced position: STAR creates real cognitive challenges for neurodivergent individuals through its demands on episodic recall, narrative structuring, and executive working memory, but its predictable structure also provides scaffolding benefits compared to unstructured formats. The net effect varies by condition, preparation, and accommodations.
Hypotheses eliminated: H3 — Overwhelming evidence (6 of 8 evidence items) contradicts the position that STAR is not problematic. Even SRC01 (H3's sole support) acknowledges the underlying challenges.
Hypotheses inconclusive: H1 — Evidence supports the direction of H1 but does not conclusively establish that STAR is substantially (rather than partially) problematic. The SRC01 counterevidence and the dual nature of structured formats prevent full support for the unqualified version of the claim.