---
title: "TRACE | Glossary"
description: "TRACE is a five-step research loop: Target, Retrieve, Assess, Cross-check, Export. Target locks stakes, scope, and output format before a search runs. Retrieve gathers independent sources instead of one confident pass. Assess tiers each source so weight follows credibility. Cross-check requires a second source before a load-bearing claim can enter the memo. Export is a claim ledger a co-founder can act on without redoing the work. Fluent collection is not research. TRACE is the verification structure. The book that owns this name is available now in English and Dutch."
image: "https://lenvanderhof.com/photos/len-portrait-1.jpg"
---

Term

# TRACE

TRACE is a five-step research loop: Target, Retrieve, Assess, Cross-check, Export. Target locks stakes, scope, and output format before a search runs. Retrieve gathers independent sources instead of one confident pass. Assess tiers each source so weight follows credibility. Cross-check requires a second source before a load-bearing claim can enter the memo. Export is a claim ledger a co-founder can act on without redoing the work. Fluent collection is not research. TRACE is the verification structure. The book that owns this name is available now in English and Dutch.

## When to use it

Use it when a clean, confident answer is about to move a market, a hire, a regulation check, or a deal, and nobody can point at the source behind the number.

## Do not confuse with

Not a vendor research product, not RAG, and not a generic “research loop” slogan. TRACE is the named system in The Verified Research Loop, available now in English and Dutch paperback, hardcover, and Kindle.

## Essays on this site

- [Evaluate the reasoning, not the fluency](https://lenvanderhof.com/en/blog/evaluate-reasoning-not-fluency/)

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