Editorial Policy

Love, in Theory uses research to explore everyday relationships. These are the principles behind our articles.

Start with the evidence

Research-based articles identify their main source and link to the paper or its publisher. We check claims against the original study where it is accessible. If a key finding cannot be verified, it should not be presented as an established fact.

We distinguish correlations from causal findings, imagined scenarios from observed behaviour, and ratings from real-world outcomes. Sample characteristics, methods, and important limitations matter: a study describes the people and conditions it examined, not every relationship.

Tell the story without changing the finding

Everyday scenes and examples help make research readable. Illustrative scenarios are not reports of actual participants or proof that a particular response will work. A memorable headline should not make a stronger claim than its evidence.

AI assistance and review

AI tools assist with drafting, editing, research organisation, and some images. Research claims are checked against source material, and drafts are reviewed separately for factual accuracy and editorial quality. AI agreement is not treated as proof, and a separate review does not necessarily mean a different AI model was used.

Generated illustrations are illustrative, not documentary photographs of study participants or events. Charts should identify their source, units, and relevant limitations. The blog remains responsible for what it publishes; these checks cannot guarantee that every error will be caught.

Corrections

If you notice an error, please use the contact details on our Contact page and include the article link, the passage in question, and a supporting source where possible. Substantive factual corrections should be identified in the affected article; minor spelling and formatting fixes may be made without a separate note.

Editorial independence

Advertising is not evidence for a research claim. Sponsored content or affiliate relationships, if introduced, should be clearly identified rather than presented as independent recommendations.