WCRC

Recognition A–Z / Research and evidence

Primary and secondary evidence

Primary evidence comes from an original record or direct source for a claim. Secondary material interprets or reports other evidence. Neither label removes the need to assess relevance.

What to review

Identify who created the record, for what purpose and with what access to the facts. Read the underlying document where possible.

A practical example

A company's announcement is a primary source for what it announced. It does not automatically independently verify its own assessment of market leadership.

Keep the claim in scope

Source type and claim strength must be considered together. Multiple copies of one release are still one underlying source.

Research and editorial context

A result is meaningful within its methodology. Match the research question, assessed universe and measurement period before making a comparison. These reference notes explain evaluation concepts; they do not add indicators, weights or thresholds to any published WCRC study.

Examples illustrate a decision and do not describe a named organisation's conduct. This is a reference note, not a new research finding or an award outcome.

Read the relevant WCRC material

These links provide WCRC context. Individual properties retain their own eligibility, evidence requirements and limitations.