Genealogy tip 13—Learn and use the Genealogical Proof Standard.
Being a history researcher comes with the need to learn and understand how to research records, find the key information and develop a plan that will take you to all available information. Through the years, I have had the pleasure of conducting historical and genealogy research throughout the United States and Europe. Every time I conduct research in a new location, I feel like I have to learn/relearn how to conduct historical research. Why? I need to learn where the records are kept, what is available, develop a plan of how to research this location and so much more. I have written a series of Genealogy Tips to introduce you to what I consider to be the most foundational skills I use over and over. In this article, I want to share Genealogy Tip 13: Learn and Use the Genealogical Proof Standard.
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Genealogy Tip 13: Learn and Use the Genealogical Proof Standard
The Genealogical Proof Standard is a principle associated with information found indirect evidence and cases built upon multiple pieces of diverse or contradictory evidence. Following this standard will substantially reduce costly mistakes of connecting family and generations. To comply with the Genealogical Proof standard, your research must include the following features:
Reasonably exhaustive research. Identify and use all relevant sources, including finding aids. The keyword here is “all.” It requires you to search beyond what is conveniently at hand or published online, and it is more than finding just three pieces of evidence that “say the same thing.” Without searching all documents, you will miss critical clues and opportunities for verification.
Complete and accurate source identification. Record all details necessary to relocate the source. Abstract analytical and descriptive details are necessary to evaluate the reliability of the information you’ve taken from the source.
Skilled analysis and correlation of data. Start by learning about the nature of the record and the conditions under which it was created. Make sure you understand the language of the record based on the meaning from the period. Learn about the relevant laws of the place and time and the cultural context of the community. Compare and contrast minute details to establish the meaning of the entire document and the information contained. Then select which facts you will consider as evidence.
Resolution of any conflicts in the evidence. Don’t overlook any evidence that contradicts what you feel is the appropriate conclusion. Take all the time necessary to sort out this issue. I spent several years researching the wrong line because I jumped to a conclusion without taking the conflicting evidence seriously.
A soundly reasoned conclusion or “proof argument.” This is a formal statement of evidence you have gathered to prove a point. Statements are written for both corresponding direct evidence and complex or contradictory evidence. A proof argument for corresponding direct evidence includes citations to multiple sources that are independently created and a proof summary that identifies a source or sources of direct evidence and discusses the factors that support its credibility. A proof argument for complex or contradictory evidence provides a thorough discussion of the problem (such as the available resources, the methodology used, the evidence found, any contradictions, and how those contradictions are resolved) and a concise, clearly expressed, convincing conclusion. This includes the reasoning that supports the conclusion and thorough citations for every piece of evidence.
Additional Articles on BeginMyStory.com
The following are other articles you may enjoy to help you find history and genealogy records.
- QuickStart Beginners Guide to Ancestry Research
- Introduction to Ancestry Research and Historical Records
- 7,500-plus Questions About Life to Ask People When Writing Narratives
- 1950 U.S. Census Research Guide for Beginners
- 4 Easy Steps to Google American Ancestry
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- Complete Guide for Conducting Oral History Interviews
- How to Get Great Google Search Results in Ancestry Research
- 9 Advanced Google Search Strategies to Trace Ancestors
- What It’s Like to Start Ancestry Research
- Search sites like FamilySearch.org, Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com