---
title: "Follow one possible impact path."
description: "Follow relationships without turning proximity or correlation into proven cause."
updated: "27 August 2026"
candidate_route: "/docs/harbinger/guides/follow-an-impact"
---

# Follow one possible impact path.

Follow relationships without turning proximity or correlation into proven cause.

## Inspect the relationship, not just the line

1. **Open the originating change** — Verify the observation and its source state.
2. **Check relationship validity** — Confirm that the relationship existed during the relevant period.
3. **Compare support and counter-signals** — Keep incompatible evidence available for review.
4. **Stop at an unsupported edge** — Record the gap instead of inferring the missing connection.

## A path is not a causal finding

A displayed connection can justify further inquiry. It does not, by itself, establish cause, responsibility, or likely outcome.

---

Published route: /docs/harbinger/guides/follow-an-impact