methodology-explainerlisted

# Methodology Explainer ## What This Skill Does Writes a plain-language explanation of a data journalism methodology — what data was used, where it came from, how it was processed, and what the analysis found — suitable for publication alongside a data story. ## When To Use This Skill - You have completed a data analysis and need a methodology box or explainer to accompany the published article - An editor requires a methodology statement for editorial transparency or legal protection - You are preparing a data story for a publication that requires published methodologies as standard - You want to write the methodology in language that non-specialist readers can understand, without omitting the detail that expert readers need ## What You Need To Provide **Required:** A description of the data used (source, time period, scope). The analysis steps you performed (what you calculated, how you grouped or filtered data, any joins or merges with other datasets). The key findings. Any known limitations or caveats in the data or analysis. **Optional:** How the data was obtained (FOI, open data, licensed); what software or tools were used; whether the data was independently verified; whether any external expert reviewed the methodology. ## How the Assistant Approaches This 1. Structures the methodology in the order a reader needs it: what data was used, how it was obtained, what was done with it, and what the results mean — followed by honest caveats. 2. Writes for two audiences si