A five-point checklist with a missing-data problem

A worked example using a hypothetical scenario to show how the reasoning applies.

The scenario

A hypothetical rubric gives one point for each favourable condition. A lightly raced horse has two unknown fields and receives no points for them. Ranking it below a fully documented horse may measure data availability rather than suitability. Keep unknowns visible instead of hiding them inside the total.

What to take from it

Use the checklist to structure questions, not to manufacture a best-horse claim.

What to check next

• Define each criterion before applying it to a runner.
• Separate an unknown answer from a negative answer.
• Check whether any two criteria are counting the same evidence twice.

Keep the conclusion specific

Separate the observation, the interpretation and the unresolved question. A worksheet is most useful when its conclusion stays within the evidence entered into it.

No runner is rated and the domain name is not a claim of proven superiority.