Scoring Criteria
All elements present. Coverage gaps, response patterns, selection bias, and exclusions during fielding stated with specifics and numbers where relevant.
At least three of four elements present. Most sampling issues named; one partial or generic.
At least two of four elements present. Sampling limitations named but vague.
Generic statement ("sampling was not random") without specifics.
Absent or inadequate. No sampling limitations disclosed despite obvious gaps.
All elements present. Each method has its limitations stated specifically (survey response, KII or FGD dynamics, document availability, observation effects). Limitations match the methods actually used.
At least three of four elements present. Most methods covered; one method treated generically.
At least two of four elements present. Some methods covered with specifics; others collapsed into generic statements.
Single generic paragraph not distinguishing methods.
Absent or inadequate. No method-specific limitations.
All elements present. Missing data quantified, recall problems acknowledged, social desirability disclosed, translation or interpretation issues stated, cleaning inconsistencies named.
At least three of four elements present. Most issues disclosed; one element partial.
At least two of four elements present. Some issues disclosed; others omitted.
"Generally good" or similar without specifics.
Absent or inadequate. No data quality limitations.
All elements present. Each limitation tied to specific findings or conclusions. Direction of bias named where inferable. Findings to read with extra caution flagged. Unaffected findings noted.
At least three of four elements present. Most limitations tied to findings; one element partial.
At least two of four elements present. Some limitations tied to findings; others listed separately.
Limitations listed in a standalone section with no link to specific findings.
Absent or inadequate. No impact-on-findings analysis.
All elements present. Each limitation has a concrete mitigation. Residual uncertainty named. Where mitigation was not possible, stated honestly. Mitigations are specific rather than aspirational.
At least three of four elements present. Most limitations have mitigations; one element partial.
At least two of four elements present. Some mitigations stated; others left as bare limitations.
Generic intentions ("we tried to minimize this") without specifics.
Absent or inadequate. No mitigation statements.
Score Interpretation
| Total (out of 25) | Band | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| 22-25 | Strong | Limitations disclosure is credible. Minor refinements only. |
| 17-21 | Adequate | Address flagged dimensions before final report submission. |
| 11-16 | Needs Revision | Substantial revision required. Use the Revise prompt as a revision brief. |
| 5-10 | Substantial Revision | Limitations section undermines report credibility. Rework before submission. |