Agentic AI Reference Architecture

Cognition · Software component

Goal Alignment Checker

Software componentCognitionCognition & Memoryarc:GoalAlignmentChecker

A reasoning validator that extracts stated user goals from the task and scores whether reasoning steps clearly address them, flagging drift into tangential analysis.

Responsibility. Checks that reasoning stays focused on user objectives.

Also known as: Reasoning relevancy scorer, Goal awareness verification

sends data tois invoked byreceives data fromReasoning Quality Scorer: sends data toReasoning Quality ScorerStepwise Reasoning Verifier: is invoked byStepwise Reasoning Verif…Reasoning Chain Decomposer: receives data fromReasoning Chain Decomposer
Direct neighbourhood (hover for relationship types)

Relationships

is invoked by dependency

receives data from dynamic

sends data to dynamic

Quantitative guidance

As stated by the sources; verify before use.

Classification

Patterns
Reasoning relevancy = steps addressing user objectives / total stepsMilestone goal-alignment checks
Risks mitigated
Reasoning drift away from user goalsConstraint ignorance

Sources

  1. Ch3.9: T. Nguyen, "Reasoning Quality," in Mastering Agentic AI Systems: Guide for the NVIDIA NCP-AAI Exam, 1st ed. 2026, ch. 3.9. ISBN: 9798244538229.