| name | methodology-explainer |
| description | Explain analysis methodology to diverse audiences. Use when documenting 'how we did this' sections, building trust through transparency, or teaching analytical approaches to stakeholders. |
When to use
Any time you deliver findings that require the audience to trust the method — A/B tests, attribution models, forecasts, statistical analyses, or anything where "how did you get that?" is a likely question. Write the methodology section before distributing results, not after questions arrive.
Process
- Identify the audience tier — use
references/audience_depth_guide.md to determine the appropriate level: executive (why/what), business analyst (what/how at high level), or technical peer (full detail).
- Select the explanation pattern — use
references/methodology_explanation_patterns.md to pick the structure: narrative, layered (short summary + appendix), or Q&A format.
- Draft the core explanation — cover: what question was asked, what data was used, what method was applied, what assumptions were made, and what the key limitation is.
- Apply plain-language rewrites — replace statistical terms with business equivalents per the translation table in
references/methodology_explanation_patterns.md.
- Add a limitations paragraph — every methodology explanation must include at least one honest limitation and what it means for the conclusions.
- Produce deliverables — write-up using
assets/methodology_writeup_template.md; if the methodology will be presented, use assets/methodology_slide_template.md.
Inputs the skill needs
- Description of the analytical method used (technique, data, steps)
- Audience type (executive / business / technical)
- Any assumptions or known limitations
Output
- Plain-language methodology write-up
- Limitations section
- Completed
methodology_writeup_template.md or methodology_slide_template.md