Unknowns are part of the result.

A gap states what cannot yet be supported

Do not replace missing evidence with an estimate merely to complete a view. State the missing object, relationship, period, or source.

Conflict preserves both claims

When sources disagree, retain each claim and its lineage so a reviewer can inspect the difference.

Counter-signals test the current path

• A new observation incompatible with the current interpretation
• Time evidence showing that a relationship was not valid
• Supposed corroboration derived from one original source
• A correction or withdrawal that weakens the claim