METHODOLOGY · SEVEN-STAGE EVIDENCE TRIAL
Test the claim, context and decision
A BYBI investigation follows the claim from its popular form back to the strongest available evidence, then asks whether it survives context, counterevidence and real-world use.
The evidence trial
Seven stages from quote to decision
The process is designed to prevent a memorable clip, a famous name or a single study from doing more work than the underlying evidence permits.
Source ladder
Evidence is not interchangeable
Sources are weighted by proximity to the claim and fitness for the question—not by how easily they can be quoted.
LEVEL 1 · PRIMARY
Original records and direct evidence
Official data, published research, filings, full transcripts, contracts, product documentation and hands-on tests.
LEVEL 2 · SYNTHESIS
Systematic and expert interpretation
High-quality reviews, professional guidance and independent analyses with transparent methods.
LEVEL 3 · REPORTING
Credible secondary coverage
Useful for context and discovery, then traced back where the claim is consequential.
LEVEL 4 · DISCOVERY
Clips, posts and anecdotes
Signals worth investigating, but rarely enough to support a verdict on their own.
Verdict and confidence
Two separate judgments
The verdict describes what the evidence currently says about the claim. Confidence describes how stable that conclusion is given the quality, relevance and completeness of the record.
Review, reply and correction
Challenge is part of the method
Where practical, subjects or providers receive a fair opportunity to address material findings. Credible new evidence is assessed, connected pages are reviewed and corrections remain visible.
USE THE METHOD