This document discusses a method for accurately diagnosing database performance issues based on a case study. The method involves setting goals, measuring key metrics over time through snapshots, graphing the data, comparing across time periods, and analyzing to identify bottlenecks. It emphasizes getting the full context by questioning users and looking directly at database metrics, as users may perceive issues differently than what the data shows. Following this method can help identify root causes and times of problems rather than wasting time on incorrect assumptions. Tools like AWR, Statspack and real-time views can then be leveraged in diagnosis.