About

Research Standards

WIL distinguishes observed evidence, derived measures, estimates, modeled values, inferences, forecasts, and illustrations. A measure’s status applies to a defined use, population, geography, period, and validation dimension—not to the institution as a whole.

Method lifecycle

Methods move through Proposed, In development, Under review, Active, Revised, and Retired states. Each registry record preserves inputs, assumptions, transformations, evidence rights, validation, limitations, version history, and affected publications.

Publication controls

  • Stable document identity, authorship, and version history
  • Disclosed methodology, evidence states, source families, and conflicts
  • Explicit limitations, coverage boundaries, and permitted use
  • Editorial, methodology, research, or peer review appropriate to the publication type
  • Human publication authorization after required review
  • Corrections and material revisions preserved in the record

Causal discipline

Associations are not reported as effects without a design that supports causal interpretation. Negative, null, or inconvenient results may be published, and methods may be revised or retired.