Methodology
Evidence before conclusions
Significant quantitative claims require an identifiable evidentiary basis. We distinguish prices from costs, measured results from model outputs, and estimates from verified observations.
| Classification | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Observed fact | Directly supported by identified reliable evidence |
| Verified finding | Evidence independently examined, with the verification described |
| Estimate | Derived from disclosed data and assumptions |
| Model output | Result of a documented analytical model |
| Hypothesis | Proposed explanation requiring validation |
| Speculation | Uncertain interpretation or future possibility |
| Conclusion | Inference supported by explicit evidence and reasoning |
Source standards
We prioritize original research, peer-reviewed work, official engineering documentation, financial filings, documented public datasets, and reproducible benchmarks. Vendor claims are attributed and examined critically. Sources record URLs, publication dates, access dates, relevant limitations, and material conflicts.
Measurement and uncertainty
Define units, workload, hardware, utilization, precision, and measurement boundaries before comparisons. Report uncertainty ranges and sensitivity to key assumptions. Capability scores are not automatically productivity measures; token count is not the sole unit of useful output.
Reproducibility
Where feasible, releases include equations, assumptions, provenance, code, environment information, sensitivity analysis, and reproduction commands. Confidential or restricted materials are excluded.
Editorial process
Research question → Literature review → Hypothesis → Data gathering → Modeling → Validation → Owner or peer review → Publication → Revision.
Every release identifies its status, approved authorship, version, dates, methodology, limitations, references, and reproducibility information. We describe the review actually performed and do not imply external peer review without evidence.
Corrections and withdrawals
Material corrections receive a dated change note and incremented version. Withdrawn work retains a public status notice explaining the reason where permissible. Earlier versions are retained privately for accountability.
Independence and AI assistance
Disclose material financial relationships and relevant conflicts with each release. AI-assisted drafting and coding require human accountability, source checks, and validation. Generated prose or code is not evidence.