[tunesmith]

While each of these are good to keep in mind while reading, I don't find them very exhaustive or derivable. I prefer the Theory of Constraints (Eli Goldratt)'s "Thinking Tools", specifically the "categories of legitimate reservation". Depending on source, there are between six and eight.

1. Is it clear?

2. Does it actually exist? Is it true?

3. Does the cause actually cause the effect?

4. For the proposed cause, do its other implied effects exist?

5. Is the cause sufficient for the effect?

6. Are cause and effect reversed?