Defined responsibilities
Identify the decision owner, scientific lead, contributors and review process in the agreed scope.
03 / THE METHOD
A claim is the starting point.
Define the decision. Examine the assumptions. Test the system. Preserve the evidence.
01 / WORKING METHOD
A method built for scrutiny.
01
Define the decision
Specify the technical assertion, intended use, decision owner and consequences of an incorrect conclusion.
02
Describe the system boundary
State observed outputs, dependency structure, interfaces, operating conditions and exclusions.
03
Design the test
Specify baseline, metrics, data provenance, versioning, acceptance criteria and meaningful negative controls.
04
Challenge the result
Test alternative explanations, leakage, confounding, edge conditions and plausible failure pathways.
05
Preserve the record
Document protocols, code and data references where permissible, outputs, discrepancies and relevant limitations.
06
Calibrate the conclusion
Separate supported findings from indeterminate or contradicted claims; state the next evidence requirement.
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
ACCOUNTABILITY IS PART OF THE METHOD.
Technical findings become useful when their basis, limits, and associated responsibilities are clear to the decision-maker.
Controlled disclosure
Determine what information is necessary, how it may be used and when separate confidentiality arrangements are required.
Traceable conclusions
Separate observed findings, assumptions and unresolved questions; do not present exploration as certification.
Responsible escalation
If the question exceeds the agreed evidence, expertise or scope, describe the gap and agree the next step before expanding the work.
THE PRINCIPLE
An uncertainty made visible is a risk that can be managed.
02 / REPRODUCIBILITY
Evidence should outlast the presentation.
A useful evidence record allows a qualified reviewer to understand what was done, how conclusions were reached, and where the inference stops. Negative findings remain part of the record.
Examine the research record