Relationships and the Research Graph

Research objects gain meaning through relationships.

A question is investigated by observations. Evidence is derived from or linked to sources. Reasoning uses evidence. A model explains observations. A current understanding synthesizes reasoning. A revision supersedes an earlier state.

These relationships form a research graph. The graph is not merely a visualization. It is the structure that allows the repository to answer questions such as:

• Which evidence supports this understanding?
• Which conclusions depend on this disputed source?
• What changed after this verification failed?
• Which questions remain open?
• What would be affected if this assumption were rejected?

The graph should be generated from canonical relationships, not maintained as a competing source of truth.