Work through the decision
Ask which parts of the output come from actual records, which are scenario assumptions and which remain unresolved. Preserve ranges and conflicting sources where relevant. A fluent answer or precise-looking number cannot compensate for missing factor, service acceptance or competence. Choose the next useful input or review instead of asking the model to guess a consequential conclusion.
A fictional worked example
In a fictional response, material mass is known but the factor’s geographic applicability is unclear. The learner retains the mass, leaves the footprint incomplete and asks for the exact factor source. The uncertainty becomes an action rather than a false zero.
Evidence and authority limit
An assistant’s confidence wording is not a calibrated assessment, safety approval or independent environmental finding.
Put it into practice
Annotate an example answer as sourced, hypothetical, inferred or unknown and identify the next check.
Keep this record: An uncertainty review with preserved facts and actionable evidence gaps.
- Facts and assumptions are separate.
- Unknowns are not replaced by precision.
- Consequential inference goes to appropriate review.