Our Methodology

Our research and analysis methodology is designed to ensure accuracy, completeness, and usefulness. This page explains how we approach different types of content.

Research Approach

Primary Source Priority

We prioritize primary sources in all our research:

• Official government publications and data releases
• Legislative text and regulatory documents
• Court decisions and legal filings
• Original datasets from government open data portals
• Direct communication with government officials

Academic and Expert Sources

For analysis and context, we rely on:

• Peer-reviewed academic research
• Reports from established research institutions
• Expert interviews and commentary
• Technical documentation from authoritative bodies

Content Categories

Explanatory Guides

Our "how-to" guides are developed by:

1. Reviewing official processes and requirements
2. Consulting with practitioners who regularly use these processes
3. Testing procedures when possible
4. Incorporating feedback from users

Policy Analysis

Our policy analyses follow a structured approach:

1. Read and analyze the full text of legislation or policy documents
2. Research historical context and legislative history
3. Consult academic literature and expert commentary
4. Present multiple perspectives on contested issues
5. Distinguish clearly between facts and analysis

Technical Content

For technical guides on APIs, data formats, and tools:

1. Review official technical documentation
2. Test implementations in controlled environments
3. Consult with developers who use these tools
4. Include working code examples when applicable

Data Handling

Data Sources

When presenting data, we:

• Use official government datasets as primary sources
• Document data collection methodology
• Note data limitations and caveats
• Provide links to original datasets

Data Verification

Before publishing data-driven content:

• Cross-reference data across multiple official sources when possible
• Check for recent updates or corrections
• Verify calculations and aggregations
• Review for outliers or anomalies

Update Process

We maintain content accuracy through:

• Scheduled reviews of all content on a regular cycle
• Monitoring for policy and legal changes
• Responding to reader feedback and corrections
• Tracking government announcements and releases

Limitations

We acknowledge several limitations in our work:

• Government information may be incomplete or delayed
• Laws and policies vary by jurisdiction and change over time
• Technical implementations may differ from documentation
• Our coverage cannot be comprehensive of all topics

We encourage readers to verify information for their specific circumstances and consult professionals when needed.

Feedback

We welcome feedback on our methodology. Contact us at research@opengovtplatform.org.

Last updated: January 2024