Principles
The rules behind the work.
These principles govern how Cumulant frames questions, handles evidence, and decides what becomes public.
01
Evidence before narrative
A compelling explanation is not a substitute for valid evidence.
02
The question determines the method
Methods should fit the question rather than force every project through one recipe.
03
Uncertainty is part of the result
Research should show ranges, instability, and unresolved questions rather than hide them behind one estimate.
04
Null findings belong in the record
A hypothesis that fails still contains information.
05
Reproducibility before persuasion
A result should be inspectable and rerunnable.
06
Criticism improves the work
Alternative explanations and adversarial review reveal where a claim is fragile.
07
AI assists; humans are responsible
Software supports the work. Human researchers approve the design, interpretation, and release.
08
Corrections remain visible
Changes, errors, and revisions stay attached to the record.
09
Claims should match evidence
The language of a conclusion should never exceed the strength of the design.