THYLACINE SIGHTINGS 1953 - 1990

METHOD

As stated, we have followed the Smith Method in spite of some perceived problems, ie. Smith's method does not incorporate a lie factor. We do not mean to suggest that people consciously lie about what they see; in fact, we believe this is seldom the case. The type of 'lie' we mean occurs through inaccuracy or ambiguity of memory, or through confusing generally accrued knowledge with recollected detail. We have endeavoured to identify this problem and make appropriate adjustments as follows:

1. We first score the interviewee (using no prompts or other assistance) according to Smith's 'Rating System for Thylacine Reports' pp. 126 -128.
2. We showed no pictures of the Thylacine prior to the report.
3. We next reported the story of the sighting exactly as it was told.
4. We then checked for accuracy by comparing the scored rating with the recorded story.