About our Methodology
The CRED-7 framework evaluates the credibility of UAP sources across seven weighted criteria. The interpretation of each criterion adapts to the source type.
Note: For journalists, 'Peer Review' is interpreted as editorial fact-checking processes, not academic peer review. 'Institutional Affiliation' for independent journalists can be a strength — independence combined with credibility is valued positively in UAP research, where institutions have historically suppressed the topic.
The Seven Criteria
Methodology
20%Rigor of research methods, data collection, and analytical approach. For scientists: peer-reviewed methodology. For journalists: investigative thoroughness and source verification.
Transparency
20%Openness about methods, sources, limitations, and potential conflicts of interest. Do they show their work?
Institutional Affiliation
15%Affiliation with recognized institutions. For scientists: university or research institute. For journalists: this criterion is interpreted differently — independent journalists who maintain credibility despite lacking institutional backing can score well here, as independence is a strength in UAP research where institutions have historically suppressed the topic.
Peer Review
15%Degree of external review and validation. For scientists: academic peer review process. For journalists: editorial fact-checking, cross-verification by other reporters, and confirmation of leaked information by subsequent events.
Track Record
10%Historical accuracy and reliability over time. Have their claims, reports, and predictions proven correct?
Fact vs. Speculation
10%Clear separation between established facts and speculation. Do they label opinions as such? Do they avoid sensationalism?
Self-Correction
10%Willingness to correct errors, update positions when new evidence emerges, and acknowledge mistakes publicly.
Tier System
Calculation
CRED-7 Total = Methodology × 0.20 + Transparency × 0.20 + Institutional × 0.15 + Peer Review × 0.15 + Track Record × 0.10 + Fact/Spec × 0.10 + Self-Correction × 0.10
Each criterion is rated on a 0–10 scale. The weighting reflects the relative importance to overall credibility.
Transparency & Limitations
- •All ratings are editorial assessments, not objective measurements.
- •Scores are regularly reviewed and updated as new information emerges.
- •We welcome constructive feedback on individual ratings.
- •The framework is continuously evolving to ensure fairness across different source types.
- •Independent journalists are not penalized for lacking institutional affiliation.