# R04 · Query and filter test

**What it is for.** Check for omissions and false positives before activating rules.

**When to use it.** Before making a decision or updating the corresponding product. You can use a spreadsheet, a document or a notebook; no software licences are needed.

## How to use it

1. Start with the real decision or question you need to resolve and set a cut-off date.
2. Fill in only what can be verified; write **NOT VERIFIED** when data is missing.
3. Separate observed facts, hypotheses and implications, and name a reviewer.
4. Keep the original version and record relevant changes when you update it.

## Editable template

| Rule / version | Expected cases | Hits | Misses | False positives | Adjustment | New test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | | |

## Guided example · Company A

Company A's query detects announcements about “thermal storage”, but misses publications that talk about “heat accumulation”; the synonym is added and the test is run again.

## Mistake to avoid

Do not optimise solely to reduce volume: a critical miss can be worse than several false positives.

## Final check

- Is it clear which decision or need it serves?
- Can the evidence be located, and is it dated?
- Are uncertainties and limits made explicit?
- Can someone else repeat or review the work?

**Notice:** entirely fictional case. The tools are for educational purposes; they do not represent an audit or certification.