Every Course Evidence article begins with a plain-language Research basis statement and may also show the matching evidence profile. Together they explain what we reviewed, what we tested, and what remains unknown.
Evidence profiles
- Source-led research (E1): current official public sources, dated checks, visible limitations, and no hands-on testing or direct-use claim.
- Source review + direct evaluation (E1+E2): the E1 foundation plus controlled direct evaluation using a documented workflow. Claims stay within the evaluated scope.
- Source review + original research (E1+E3): the E1 foundation plus original research using a reproducible method. This does not imply hands-on product testing unless E2 is also present.
- Combined evidence (E1+E2+E3): source review, controlled direct evaluation, and original research are all complete, with each scope and limitation stated separately.
Publication boundary: E0 is an internal pre-publication status for incomplete foundational research and does not appear on a published article. E2 and E3 are independent branches added to E1; neither appears by itself.
What evidence labels mean on an article
A code never replaces plain language. On first use, an article pairs its profile with a Research basis explanation and links to this page. Its title, excerpt, and search metadata must remain understandable without the code.
What we check
Depending on the page type, we may check curriculum structure, prerequisites, access limits, workspace requirements, cancellation or renewal terms, official objectives, provider rules, and public support documentation.
Limits
Course catalogs, subscription terms, labs, and certification objectives can change. Articles include checked dates and review triggers where relevant. If a page has not been directly tested, it should not be read as a hands-on review.