ASPC Evidence Standard for Strategic Research

Status, question and scope

Research question

How should ASPC classify, assess and present evidence?

Scope

A repeatable evidence standard protects the distinction between source findings, agency reporting, external analysis and ASPC judgment.

Key findings

The reviewed sources support the following bounded findings.

• GAO identifies multiple evidence types and 13 practices spanning planning, evidence building, use and learning.
• Research reliability depends on rigorous design, documentation, transparency and confirmation.
• MCC reproducibility guidance uses design reports, data documentation, analysis materials and transparency statements.

ASPC application and limitations

Proposed application

• Classify each material claim by evidence type and source authority.
• Record source date, scope, method, limitations, review date and direct official link.
• Separate quotation, paraphrase, inference, ASPC finding and recommendation in drafting and review.

Limitations

• The standard supports consistency; it does not make ASPC analysis government research.