Manifest use
How the quote-to-concept manifest is used
A researcher-reviewed process for moving from exact interview evidence to one participant-centered, verb-forward concept record at a time.
01
What does it govern?
The manifest governs the quote-to-concept stage. It helps an agent identify language expressing inner thinking, emotional reactions, and guiding principles; separate distinct concepts; and draft summaries that remain close to the participant’s viewpoint and language. It does not govern cross-participant synthesis.
02
What does it produce?
Each proposal contains an exact transcript quotation, stable source rows, one verb-forward concept summary, a cognition label, and a review status. Keeping the interpretation beside its evidence does not eliminate interpretation or bias. It gives the researcher a visible basis for examining both.
03
What happens next?
The manifest ends when a concept record has been reviewed. Accepted records can then enter separately approved manifests for later synthesis. A Thinking Styles manifest may govern participant representations and grouping. A Mental Model Skyline manifest may govern Focus of Mental Attention affinity, towers, blocks, and capability alignment. The 62 quote-to-concept rules do not decide those downstream structures.
04
Who decides?
Before transcript processing begins, named reviewers approve the manifest version the agent may use. During processing, the agent proposes concept records; researchers inspect the evidence, edit or reject proposals, and decide what is accepted. Manifest approval authorizes the analytical instructions—not the resulting records or findings.
05
Who created it?
George Jensen created and maintains the current manifest configuration and supporting workflow. Its formulation was informed especially by his study of Indi Young’s methods and sits within broader qualitative traditions concerned with participant language, meaning, and reflexive interpretation. It does not represent Indi Young’s method or imply her endorsement.