Research pages should let readers identify the source behind a factual claim and distinguish that record from OZJF’s interpretation.
What we treat as stronger evidence
We prefer primary sources when they exist and directly address the question. Examples include treaty texts, statutes, court rulings, government designations, official filings, original polling releases, and reports from the organization making a claim.
When primary sources are not enough, we lean on solid secondary work. That means CRS reports, official diplomatic history, peer-reviewed work, and research groups that show their method.
Reputable news reporting is useful for dated events, investigations, and recent developments. It is not a substitute for an available primary record.
Our evidence hierarchy
- Tier A: official filings, treaty texts, statutes, court rulings, government databases, and original reports
- Tier B: serious secondary work, CRS, FRUS, the State Department’s Office of the Historian, and similar research groups
- Tier C: trusted news for dated events, investigations, and updates when higher-tier work is missing
Distinctions that matter
- Where the record ends
- Where we draw an inference
- Where the page makes a broader argument
- What is still in dispute
Quantitative claims should identify a date and source. Polling claims should include field dates, sample design, and question wording when available. Controversial claims should rely on Tier A or Tier B evidence when those sources can answer the question.
Outside standards we take seriously
The AAPOR Transparency Initiative informs our expectations for polling disclosure. The SPJ Code of Ethics informs our approach to accuracy, attribution, and accountability. OZJF is not certified by either organization, and their standards do not determine our conclusions.