Chapter guide
Instead of asking “What do you usually do?”, ask about the most recent event. Follow the trigger, actions, delays and exceptions. Listen before explaining or proposing a solution.
Separate source material, observations, possible explanations and implications for the decision. Keep contradictory accounts and use further observation or interviews to distinguish explanations; a vote does not resolve the evidence.
Stop when you have enough support for the next decision and a plan for important unknowns. Interview count alone is not the threshold. If findings cannot affect any decision, clarify the purpose of the research.
Discussion question
If your preferred explanation is wrong, what would you look for next?
Related exercise
Follow the related lesson below and try its exercise. Use the linked template to record your judgment, evidence and open questions, then revise with the checklist. With a partner, check which parts of each other’s work need clarification.