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== How Ratings Are Applied == | == How Ratings Are Applied == | ||
Individual articles use the < | Individual articles use the <nowiki>{{VaultEvidence}}</nowiki> template to display an assessment. | ||
Example: | Example: | ||
Latest revision as of 16:21, 5 August 2026
THE VAULT DOCUMENT
Evidence Rating System
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
| 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:
EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT
★★☆☆☆
Limited Evidence
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.