Research methodology

How ChoiceMosaic turns evidence into a decision.

Our methodology defines how topics are selected, facts are verified, direct tests are recorded, automation is used, and conclusions are reviewed.

Last reviewed

1. Define the decision

We begin with a specific buyer question, not a product inventory. The intended audience, use case, constraints, comparison date, and decision criteria should be explicit before research begins.

2. Select products for relevance

Candidate products should be selected because they are plausible options for the stated buyer and use case. Partner availability may help determine what markets we research, but it does not establish which product is best. Relevant non-partners may be included and may be recommended.

3. Prefer primary evidence

For important factual claims, we prioritize:

  • official pricing, product, terms, and help-center pages;
  • official partner-program documentation where compensation is discussed;
  • reproducible first-party tests with recorded inputs and methods; and
  • calculations derived from verified inputs.

Unknown facts remain unknown. When material official sources conflict, we flag the conflict and do not automatically classify, score, or publish the affected claim.

4. Record direct testing accurately

A page may say that ChoiceMosaic tested something only when a direct test occurred and its scope, date, inputs, and method were recorded. Accessing a demo, reading a third-party review, or using automated analysis is not presented as hands-on product experience.

5. Use AI and automation with boundaries

AI and automation may assist with source discovery, extraction, consistency checks, drafting, and maintenance. They do not remove the evidence requirement, invent missing values, resolve a material source conflict, or supply fabricated experience. Review requirements depend on the risk and materiality of the change.

6. Separate fact, inference, and compensation

Verified facts identify their evidence. Inferences explain ChoiceMosaic's reasoning from those facts. Affiliate or paid relationships are disclosed as commercial relationships. Compensation may be a tie-breaker only among options that already meet the declared user-fit threshold.

7. Publish limitations and dates

Research pages should show when important information was verified, disclose meaningful limitations, and explain how to request a correction. A newer date is added only after a real review; dates are not changed merely to make a page look fresh.

Corrections

Readers and organizations can report a suspected error through the corrections process. Material corrections should identify what changed and when.