Look across the evidence
Compare papers.
The same rubric, side by side. A comparison of claim support—not a contest between fields.
| Criterion | BICEP2: real polarization, an unsupported primordial interpretation |
|---|---|
| Overall claim grade | F 20/100 |
| Claim examined | BICEP2's March 2014 excess B-mode polarization established a primordial gravitational-wave contribution near tensor-to-scalar ratio r = 0.20. |
| Claim support40% weight | 0/5 The joint analysis did not support a statistically significant primordial tensor contribution. [3] |
| Methods & controls20% weight | 2/5 Instrumental checks were substantial, but foreground separation was insufficient for the specific discovery interpretation. [1–3] |
| Independent checks20% weight | 0/5 Added frequency information did not confirm the asserted primordial signal. A real B-mode signal is a different claim. [3] |
| Transparency10% weight | 4/5 Versioned papers, data links and joint follow-up expose both the measurement and the changed interpretation. [2–4] |
| Claim calibration10% weight | 2/5 March significance statements were conditional on foreground assumptions; June caveats improved the claim's calibration. [1, 2] |
| Evidence status | Interpretation superseded |