Methods reading room: what analytical reports actually establish · RESEARCH-01505

Case 5 — Research figure captions: tell the reader what was measured

A chart caption names a mechanism but omits the observed endpoint. How can the caption be made precise?

Exercise RESEARCH-01505/5: address this question within its stated limits.

Case 5 — Research figure captions: tell the reader what was measured

Clarification for “Research figure captions: tell the reader what was measured”: the point beginning “Describe the measurement, population or model,…” belongs to the question as written. It should not be read as a report that a new check, purchase or experiment has been completed. Review focus: scope. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.

Case 5 — Research figure captions: tell the reader what was measured

Method note for “Research figure captions: tell the reader what was measured”: use “Describe the measurement, population or model,…” as a row heading in a proposed working record. Put the statement, its supporting source or measurement, and any unresolved detail in separate fields. This proposes a format; it supplies no additional evidence. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.

Case 5 — Research figure captions: tell the reader what was measured

Limit of the answer in “Research figure captions: tell the reader what was measured”: “Describe the measurement, population or model,…” is an excerpt from the discussion, not an independent verification. A reader needs the relevant original material before treating an interpretation as established. Review focus: scope. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.

Case 5 — Research figure captions: tell the reader what was measured

Correction note for “Research figure captions: tell the reader what was measured”: retain the wording beginning “Describe the measurement, population or model,…” in the record. If later material changes it, add the date, the changed wording and the source for that change; do not invent a completed correction here. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.

Case 5 — Research figure captions: tell the reader what was measured

Summary draft for “Research figure captions: tell the reader what was measured”: the answer addresses “Describe the measurement, population or model,…”; the related point is “Interpretive discussion belongs alongside the evidence, not…”. Keep both connected to the opening question, and mark any conclusion needing further records as unresolved. Review focus: scope. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.

Case 6 — Data provenance: keep source, transformation and output together

Keep the source citation, retrieval date and a record of conversions or exclusions. Make synthetic examples explicit and never combine them silently with observed data.

Case 6 — Data provenance: keep source, transformation and output together

A table has been copied into a new format without its source or transformation notes. What should accompany it?

Exercise RESEARCH-01505/6: address this question within its stated limits.

Case 6 — Data provenance: keep source, transformation and output together

Clarification for “Data provenance: keep source, transformation and output together”: the point beginning “Keep the source citation, retrieval date and a…” belongs to the question as written. It should not be read as a report that a new check, purchase or experiment has been completed. Review focus: scope. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.

Case 6 — Data provenance: keep source, transformation and output together

Method note for “Data provenance: keep source, transformation and output together”: use “Keep the source citation, retrieval date and a…” as a row heading in a proposed working record. Put the statement, its supporting source or measurement, and any unresolved detail in separate fields. This proposes a format; it supplies no additional evidence. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.

Case 6 — Data provenance: keep source, transformation and output together

Limit of the answer in “Data provenance: keep source, transformation and output together”: “Keep the source citation, retrieval date and a…” is an excerpt from the discussion, not an independent verification. A reader needs the relevant original material before treating an interpretation as established. Review focus: scope. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.

Case 6 — Data provenance: keep source, transformation and output together

Correction note for “Data provenance: keep source, transformation and output together”: retain the wording beginning “Keep the source citation, retrieval date and a…” in the record. If later material changes it, add the date, the changed wording and the source for that change; do not invent a completed correction here. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.

Case 6 — Data provenance: keep source, transformation and output together

Summary draft for “Data provenance: keep source, transformation and output together”: the answer addresses “Keep the source citation, retrieval date and a…”; the related point is “Make synthetic examples explicit and never combine them…”. Keep both connected to the opening question, and mark any conclusion needing further records as unresolved. Review focus: scope. Keep the stated question separate from any broader claim.

Case 7 — Clinical questions in an archive discussion

A reader asks whether an experimental finding should change their treatment. What is an appropriate response?

Exercise RESEARCH-01505/7: address this question within its stated limits.

Case 7 — Clinical questions in an archive discussion

Explain the study’s scope and limitations without recommending a treatment change. Individual decisions belong with a qualified clinician who can assess the complete context.