Scoring Criteria
All elements present. Multiple methods used. Each key question addressed by at least two methods. Methods capture different aspects. Coverage mapped per question.
At least three of four elements present. Methods mapped; some questions still single-method.
At least two of four elements present. Multiple methods used but coverage uneven or generic.
Two methods used redundantly. Mapping absent.
Absent or inadequate. Single method or no coverage logic.
All elements present. Multiple respondent groups per key question. Multiple documents cross-check claims. Sources deliberately selected for perspective diversity. Source-by-question map exists.
At least three of four elements present. Multiple sources used; mapping or diversity partial.
At least two of four elements present. Multiple sources but perspective diversity weak.
Single respondent group dominates. Documents duplicate one another.
Absent or inadequate. Findings rest on one source per question.
All elements present. Multiple analysts where stakes warrant. Double-coding for a defined subset. Inter-rater reliability calculated where appropriate. Disagreements resolved through a named procedure.
At least three of four elements present. Multiple analysts and procedures; reliability or coverage partial.
At least two of four elements present. Multiple analysts but work divided sequentially rather than overlapping.
Single analyst, or peer review reduced to a final read-through.
Absent or inadequate. Not addressed where stakes warrant.
All elements present. Named procedure for contradictions. Weighting criteria specified (recency, proximity, methodological strength). Contradictions surfaced rather than averaged. Decision log maintained.
At least three of four elements present. Procedure named; criteria or log partial.
At least two of four elements present. Procedure mentioned but vague. Criteria implicit.
Contradictions averaged or hidden. No procedure.
Absent or inadequate. No process; contradictions invisible in reporting.
All elements present. Final report shows triangulation through evidence matrices or source citations per finding. Divergent evidence acknowledged. Methodology claims traceable to specific findings. Readers see which sources support which conclusions.
At least three of four elements present. Visible triangulation planned; divergence or traceability partial.
At least two of four elements present. Triangulation visible for major findings but not consistently.
Claimed in methodology but findings read as a single narrative without source attribution.
Absent or inadequate. No plan for visibility in the final report.
Score Interpretation
| Total (out of 25) | Band | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| 22-25 | Strong | Triangulation approach is defensible. Use as-is or with minor refinements. |
| 17-21 | Adequate | Address flagged dimensions before fielding or analysis begins. |
| 11-16 | Needs Revision | Rework the triangulation plan. Use the Revise prompt as a revision brief. |
| 5-10 | Substantial Revision | Findings will not be defensibly cross-corroborated. Redesign the approach. |