01 / Separate label from evidence
A name match proves only a name match
Different people can share the same name, and one person can appear in more than one format. Do not merge records because their labels look alike. Treat each page as an independent source until its own context supports a connection.
02 / Build a confidence ladder
Move from appearance to support
- Low confidence: the same words appear in a title or index.
- Medium confidence: the source supplies consistent, relevant context.
- Higher confidence: a primary page clearly supports the specific connection being considered.
Stop at the level the evidence earns. Extra certainty should never be added merely because the search result feels familiar.
03 / Preserve the source
Share context, not just a fragment
When discussing a result, link to the full page, note when it was viewed, and distinguish the page's words from your inference. Avoid isolated screenshots or cropped quotations that make verification harder for the next reader.
04 / Make uncertainty explicit
Clear limits prevent mistaken conclusions
Useful language is precise: “the page uses the same name,” “the source does not establish a connection,” or “more context is needed.” These statements keep observation separate from assumption and give future readers a reliable place to continue.