01 — Define
State the question, objective, scope and reason for investigation before drawing conclusions.
RESEARCH METHOD
Document what is known, what is inferred, and what remains uncertain.
02 — Source
Prefer primary material, legislation, official guidance, original research and clearly attributable evidence. Record sources rather than relying on memory.
03 — Distinguish
Label facts, observations, calculations, assumptions, hypotheses and opinions separately.
04 — Test
Where practical and lawful, examine competing explanations and attempt to identify weaknesses or disconfirming evidence.
05 — Record
Maintain dated notes, versions, decisions, sources and limitations. Significant projects receive unique publication identifiers.
06 — Review
Correct errors openly, record substantive revisions and reconsider conclusions when new evidence changes the position.