In an investigative report, what does the methodology section typically describe?

• A. The tools, data sources, and procedures used to conduct the investigation.
• B. The final conclusions and recommendations.
• C. The client’s expectations and limitations.
• D. The administrative steps in report preparation.

Answer: (A)

The methodology section describes how the investigation was carried out, detailing the tools used, data sources consulted, and the procedures followed. This explicit outline shows exactly how evidence was gathered and analyzed, so readers can judge the reliability of the findings and, if needed, reproduce the approach. By providing this transparency, the report gains credibility and defensibility. The other parts—final conclusions and recommendations, client expectations and limitations, and administrative steps in report preparation—belong in their respective sections and address outcomes, scope, and formatting rather than the execution of the investigation itself. Detailing the approach anchors the report in a clear, repeatable process.