Partnership One of the most powerful characteristics of contextual inquiry is its application of the master/apprentice relationship model. Just as an apprentice learns by watching, respectfully asking questions, and seeking to understand why things are done a certain way, the master craftsman teaches by doing and talking about tasks as they play out. The transfer of knowledge about work structure happens more reliably when people talk about how they work while they do the work. As a result, the research data more reliably reflects reality.