Sources, evidence & verification · Working

Investigative hypothesis

Also called: working hypothesis

ELI5

A provisional explanation or line of inquiry tested against evidence instead of presented as fact.

“We need to agree how the investigative hypothesis will be handled with the people affected.”

A provisional explanation or line of inquiry tested against evidence rather than presented as fact.

Here “Investigative hypothesis” means: A provisional explanation or line of inquiry tested against evidence rather than presented as fact.

You may encounter “Investigative hypothesis” in documentary, factual & unscripted conversations or materials.

Why it matters: Distinguishes story, access, evidence, format mechanics and participant-care responsibilities.

Sources & evidence · 5

Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.