Lather, rinse, repeat

6.1 Compare all the known data.

6.2 Determine whether the data support the hypothesis.

6.3 In the event that there are data that contradict the hypothesis, examine the data for credibility.

6.3.1 If the data that contradict the hypothesis appear credible, formulate a new hypothesis and begin the process again.

6.4 If all known credible data are supportive of the hypothesis, consider whether alternative hypotheses are also supported by these data.

6.4.1 If more than one hypothesis is supported by the data, it will be necessary to report all credible hypotheses.

– Sidebar 4.1, Section 6, “Hypothesis Testing”, John J. Lentini, Scientific Protocols for Fire Investigation, Second Edition