GaryJJSpate: /* How Ratings Are Applied */

2026-08-05T16:21:42Z

How Ratings Are Applied

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:21, 5 August 2026
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	== How Ratings Are Applied ==		== How Ratings Are Applied ==

	Individual articles use the <~~code~~>{{VaultEvidence}}</~~code~~> template to display an assessment.		Individual articles use the <nowiki>{{VaultEvidence}}</nowiki> template to display an assessment.

	Example:		Example:

GaryJJSpate: /* How Ratings Are Applied */

2026-08-05T16:21:26Z

How Ratings Are Applied

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:21, 5 August 2026
Line 145:		Line 145:
	== How Ratings Are Applied ==		== How Ratings Are Applied ==

	Individual articles use the {{VaultEvidence}} template to display an assessment.		Individual articles use the <code>{{VaultEvidence}}</code> template to display an assessment.

	Example:		Example:

GaryJJSpate: /* References */

2026-08-02T21:15:35Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 2 August 2026
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	[[Category:Research Methodology]]		[[Category:Research Methodology]]
	[[Category:Evidence Assessment]]		[[Category:Evidence Assessment]]
			[[Category:The Vault Guidelines]]

GaryJJSpate at 18:40, 2 August 2026

2026-08-02T18:40:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:40, 2 August 2026
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			{{TheVaultHeader
			\|name=Evidence Rating System
			\|type=Assessment Framework
			\|status=Active
			\|version=1.0
			}}

	{{VaultPolicyInfobox		{{VaultPolicyInfobox
	\|name=Evidence Rating System		\|name=Evidence Rating System

GaryJJSpate: Created page with "{{VaultPolicyInfobox |name=Evidence Rating System |type=Research Methodology |scope=Evidence evaluation framework used by The Vault |status=Active }} '''The Vault Evidence Rating System''' is the evaluation framework used by The Vault to assess the quality, reliability and significance of evidence associated with paranormal claims, unexplained phenomena and historical mysteries. The system is designed to provide a consistent approach when reviewing cases. It does n..."

2026-08-02T13:04:54Z

Created page with "{{VaultPolicyInfobox |name=Evidence Rating System |type=Research Methodology |scope=Evidence evaluation framework used by The Vault |status=Active }} '''The Vault Evidence Rating System''' is the evaluation framework used by The Vault to assess the quality, reliability and significance of evidence associated with paranormal claims, unexplained phenomena and historical mysteries. The system is designed to provide a consistent approach when reviewing cases. It does n..."

New page

{{VaultPolicyInfobox
|name=Evidence Rating System
|type=Research Methodology
|scope=Evidence evaluation framework used by The Vault
|status=Active
}}

'''The Vault Evidence Rating System''' is the evaluation framework used by [[The Vault]] to assess the quality, reliability and significance of evidence associated with paranormal claims, unexplained phenomena and historical mysteries.

The system is designed to provide a consistent approach when reviewing cases. It does not determine whether a phenomenon is real or imaginary; instead, it evaluates the strength of the available evidence.

A high rating indicates stronger evidence. It does not automatically confirm a paranormal explanation.

A low rating does not indicate that a witness is dishonest. It indicates that the available evidence is limited, incomplete or unable to be independently verified.

== Purpose ==

The Evidence Rating System exists to:

* Provide transparency in how cases are evaluated.
* Separate reports from confirmed evidence.
* Encourage critical analysis of paranormal claims.
* Recognise both supporting and contradictory evidence.
* Maintain consistency across [[The Vault]] archive.

== Rating Scale ==

{| class="wikitable"
! Rating
! Classification
! Description
|-
| ★☆☆☆☆
| Anecdotal
| Based primarily on personal testimony, rumours or unsupported claims.
|-
| ★★☆☆☆
| Limited Evidence
| Multiple reports or historical documentation exist, but independent verification is lacking.
|-
| ★★★☆☆
| Inconclusive
| Credible information exists, but evidence remains open to interpretation.
|-
| ★★★★☆
| Strong Evidence
| Supported by multiple independent sources, documentation or investigation.
|-
| ★★★★★
| Exceptional Evidence
| Supported by extensive independent verification and high-quality evidence.
|}

== Evidence Categories ==

=== Witness Testimony ===

Witness testimony is one of the most common forms of evidence in paranormal cases.

Witness accounts may provide valuable information, particularly when multiple independent witnesses describe similar events.

However, testimony can be affected by:

* Memory.
* Expectation.
* Stress.
* Environmental conditions.
* Misinterpretation.

For this reason, witness testimony alone will rarely receive the highest ratings.

=== Photographic Evidence ===

Photographs are assessed according to:

* Original source.
* Metadata where available.
* Image quality.
* Possible manipulation.
* Alternative explanations.

A photograph showing something unusual is not automatically evidence of a paranormal event.

=== Video Evidence ===

Video evidence is evaluated by considering:

* Original recording source.
* Editing history.
* Context.
* Technical analysis.
* Independent review.

=== Physical Evidence ===

Physical evidence generally provides stronger support than eyewitness accounts.

Examples include:

* Objects.
* Environmental measurements.
* Laboratory analysis.
* Repeatable observations.

Physical evidence must still be examined carefully to determine whether ordinary explanations exist.

=== Historical Evidence ===

Historical cases may rely on:

* Newspaper reports.
* Official documents.
* Personal correspondence.
* Archived records.

Documentation proves that a claim or report existed, but does not necessarily prove that the event occurred as described.

== Evidence Assessment Principles ==

The Vault follows these principles:

'''1. Evidence is not proof'''

Evidence can support a claim without conclusively proving it.

'''2. Extraordinary claims require stronger evidence'''

Claims that challenge established scientific understanding require proportionally stronger supporting evidence.

'''3. All evidence should be considered'''

Evidence supporting and contradicting a claim should both be documented.

'''4. Conclusions may change'''

New evidence may alter the assessment of a case.

== How Ratings Are Applied ==

Individual articles use the {{VaultEvidence}} template to display an assessment.

Example:

{{VaultEvidence
|rating=★★☆☆☆
|classification=Limited Evidence
|summary=Multiple reports exist, but independent verification is lacking.
|supporting=Witness accounts and historical documentation.
|counter=No physical evidence or controlled investigation.
|conclusion=The case remains unresolved.
}}

== Important Note ==

The Vault documents claims, reports and investigations. Inclusion within The Vault does not represent endorsement of a claim.

A case may be historically important, culturally significant or worthy of study even when evidence for a paranormal explanation is limited.

== Related Pages ==

* [[The Vault]]
* [[Paranormal Evidence]]
* [[Scientific Method]]
* [[Critical Thinking]]
* [[Witness Testimony]]
* [[VaultEvidence]]

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:The Vault]]
[[Category:Research Methodology]]
[[Category:Evidence Assessment]]

TheVault:Evidence Rating System - Revision history

GaryJJSpate: /* How Ratings Are Applied */

GaryJJSpate: /* How Ratings Are Applied */

GaryJJSpate: /* References */

GaryJJSpate at 18:40, 2 August 2026