Transparency
Evidence Framework
A shared vocabulary for how strongly a statement is supported. Scientific domains use the scientific levels; interpretive traditions are always 'Interpretive'.
Why levels
Evidence levels make the strength of a claim explicit and machine-readable, so readers and systems can weigh statements honestly.
Domain rules
Scientific domains may use: High, Moderate, Limited, Historical, Unknown. Astrology and mythology must always use: Interpretive. Validation rejects any interpretive claim marked as scientific.
Reference
| Level | Meaning |
|---|---|
| High | Strongly supported by current peer-reviewed science and primary sources. |
| Moderate | Supported by good evidence; some details remain open or model-dependent. |
| Limited | Limited or preliminary evidence; treat with appropriate caution. |
| Historical | Established historical fact (events, dates, discoveries). |
| Interpretive | Cultural or symbolic tradition — not a scientific claim. |
| Unknown | Not yet determined; the honest answer is that it is unknown. |
From the Journal
Reporting on this subject
- GuidesHow to read a discovery announcementA practical guide to reading astronomy discovery news — what a sigma actually means, why "Earth-like" is usually about size alone, and the six questions that tell you how much of an announcement to believe.
- GuidesHow we source astronomy and space scienceThe sourcing hierarchy AsteriaStar Journal works to — which sources count as primary, why a preprint is not a result, and how to tell an agency announcement from a measurement.