mythago

In investigative work, their are two "golden chalices" one tries to glean in order to piece together a mystery: Timeline of events (from the onset of said mystery) & and a new, but suddenly consistent variable (who's emergence coincides with the onset of said mystery). When one has both, there is suddenly a clear framework (hypothesis) towards the rest of said investigation. The other details will either fit the puzzle, or they won't.

This process applies to just about any conundrum... Murder mystery, scientific experimentation, behavioral analysis, etc.

It's amazing how often I lose sight of this and usually have to have my ass smacked hard by the wet fish of hind-sight.