Principle 03 of 06
Pattern vs. Finding
A pattern is not a finding. This distinction is the foundation of the entire methodology.
Patterns are triage tools
Patterns direct research toward where limited time is best spent. They say “look here.” They do not say “this is true.” The pattern is scaffolding. It comes down once the building either stands or doesn’t.
Findings stand on the documentary record
A finding is what the documentary record supports. It stands on its own, independent of the pattern that pointed you toward it. If the public record contradicts the pattern, the pattern is retired — not the record.
The danger
When pattern and finding are confused, you get unfalsifiable belief systems. Every piece of evidence confirms. Every refutation becomes part of the conspiracy. The methodology protects against this by maintaining a strict separation between the two.