Pattern Analysis Evidence Tracker™
A repeated event can suggest where to look without establishing why it happened. The Pattern Analysis Evidence Tracker™ helps you compare events without beginning with a fixed conclusion.
Keep dates, conduct, surrounding circumstances and source references together. Include exceptions, contradictory information and competing explanations. Trace where accounts originated so the same allegation copied into several records is not counted as several independent sources.
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Who this is for
This worksheet is for a parent who keeps seeing a similar problem but does not want to mistake repetition for proof of motive. It gives you a place to compare what happened, which sources are independent and what information would challenge your current explanation.
What to record
Begin with observable conduct and a date range. Add the source for each event, then note exceptions, contradictions and reasonable competing explanations. A copied allegation is still one originating account, even when it appears in several later records. Keeping that distinction visible helps prevent repetition from being confused with corroboration.
Free pattern-observation worksheet
The worksheet separates facts, interpretations and missing information so you can examine a possible pattern without beginning with a conclusion.
- Download the pattern-observation worksheetUse it in a spreadsheet program, keep identifying details private and record competing explanations alongside your first interpretation.
- Download the source and chronology trackerUse this when the order and timing of events need to be checked before drawing a conclusion.
What to explore next
See how Pattern Beneath™ examines recurrence and competing explanations
Use the tracker to test an explanation, not confirm it.
Start with one narrow question and record the events that support, complicate and contradict your first interpretation. A useful pattern summary shows the exceptions and missing information as clearly as the repetition.