Effective: July 17, 2026
Research begins with a defined question
Research-heavy pages begin by defining the reader’s question, the factual claims that need support, and the difference between verified information, personal observation, interpretation, and a proposed solution.
Source hierarchy
Primary and authoritative sources are preferred when available. These may include statutes, regulations, court or agency material, official program documents, original datasets, standards bodies, research papers, technical documentation, and direct records. High-quality secondary sources may provide context, explanation, or competing viewpoints.
Source records
Important sources may be stored as reusable records containing the title, publisher, author when available, publication date, access date, URL, claim supported, and reliability notes. A source being listed does not mean every statement on a page came from that source.
Current information
Dates, program rules, software behavior, prices, officeholders, laws, and policies can change. Time-sensitive claims are checked near publication and may display a last-reviewed date. Readers should verify current requirements before acting on information that may have changed.
Jurisdiction and population limits
Legal, policy, assistance, education, housing, and economic systems vary by location and population. Pages should identify the relevant jurisdiction or make clear when an example cannot be generalized.
Competing evidence and uncertainty
Reliable sources may disagree. When disagreement materially affects the conclusion, the page should acknowledge the major interpretations, explain why a source was weighted more heavily, and identify what remains unknown.
Calculations and tools
Calculators and models should explain their inputs, assumptions, formulas, and limitations. Results are estimates unless a page states otherwise and should not replace professional review of a reader’s specific circumstances.
Corrections and review
Readers may report factual errors, broken sources, or outdated information through the contact form. Material changes follow the Corrections Policy.