EVIDENCE FIRST
Research, Sources and Fact-Checking Policy
Barnakle evaluates sources by their proximity to the evidence, expertise, transparency, independence and relevance to the claim being made.
Our preferred source order
- Original peer-reviewed research, datasets and technical reports.
- Government agencies, universities, scientific institutions and recognised international bodies.
- Named subject-matter experts with relevant qualifications.
- High-quality reporting that documents its evidence and methods.
- Secondary explainers used for orientation, never as the sole support for a consequential claim.
How claims are checked
Editors trace important factual claims to supporting material, check dates and definitions, compare numbers with the original source, and look for later corrections or contradictory evidence. A link alone is not proof: the cited source must actually support the surrounding statement.
Research strength and uncertainty
We consider study design, sample size, controls, replication, conflicts of interest, statistical and practical significance, and whether findings apply beyond the population studied. Preliminary papers, preprints and conference findings are labelled as such.
Anonymous and confidential sources
Barnakle generally favours named, attributable sources. Anonymity may be granted when information has clear public value and identification could create a credible risk. Editors must know the source’s identity and assess motive and corroboration.
Links and source lists
Research-based articles should include useful source links or a sources section. Links are provided for transparency and do not imply that Barnakle endorses every statement on an external website.