Lifecycle of a Research Object

Objects evolve through explicit states. The reference lifecycle includes states such as draft, collecting, review, verified, superseded, and archived, according to object contract.

Lifecycle states communicate process, not truth. “Verified” means required checks have been completed under the contract; it does not mean metaphysical certainty. “Draft” does not mean useless; it means the object has not completed later review obligations.

Transitions should be evidence-bearing actions. A status change may require verification, reviewer identity, timestamps, or relationships to replacement objects.

Explicit lifecycle prevents polished appearance from being mistaken for research maturity.