Bringing forward neglected evidence

This is often the strongest way to challenge an established interpretation.

Example:

Suppose historians have relied on government records.

A researcher discovers:

• private letters,
• diaries,
• business records,
• local archives.

If those sources reveal something important that previous historians missed, the dominant interpretation may be revised.

That is generally more persuasive than merely saying:

"The dominant interpretation might be biased."

The strongest challenge usually combines:

1. criticism of the dominant view,
2. alternative evidence,
3. an alternative explanation that fits the evidence better.