Uncovering the Genealogical Proof Standard

Tracing your family tree takes a lot of motivation and dedication, and it’s critical to determine whether the leads you find are genuine. Genealogists deal with this frustration on a daily basis, as they are constantly chasing down details through books, databases and websites that turn out to be false.

In order to ensure that family histories are as accurate as possible and to prevent against the spread of inaccurate family trees, the Board for Certification of Genealogists established the Genealogical Proof Standard. By utilizing this standard, genealogists and citizens alike can have faith that each conclusion about ancestors and family history has sufficient creditability. Any conclusion that is made about a particular person’s family tree has to meet the five elements of the Genealogical Proof Standard, which consist of:

1. A reasonably exhaustive search of all relevant information. This ensures an examination of a wide array of high quality resources, information and evidence. Additionally, this minimizes the chances that undiscovered evidence will over-turn the previous conclusion.

2. Complete and accurate citation of sources used. This helps demonstrate the extent and scope of the research. It also allows others to imitate the steps taken to find the conclusion.

3. Analysis and correlation of collected information. This allows researchers to interpret the data from each specific source. It also makes sure the conclusion at hand takes all the sources into account.

4. Resolution of conflicting or contradictory information. This ensures the credibility of the conclusion because if conflicting evidence is not resolved then it’s extremely hard to prove a sound conclusion.

5. Arrive at a soundly reasoned, coherently written solution. The last step eliminates the possibility that the conclusion is based on preconceptions, bias or inadequate interruption of the evidence. The solution will also explain how you arrived at the conclusion and detail steps taken.

If you want to utilize the Genealogical Proof Standard when researching your family tree, consider breaking down the information and steps in an easy to understand language. For example, the keyword in the first step is “reasonable.” It would be almost impossible for you to locate and interpret every source of information on your ancestors, and the standard doesn’t expect that. It just expects you to examine a wide range of high quality resources, differing in source type, location, etc.

The second step is actually just as it’s outlined, you need to document every single piece of information you use. You can’t evaluate evidence if you don’t know where it came from. Keeping track of sources will also allow researchers to retrace your steps and if need be, verify your conclusion.

The third step involves the analysis of your information. For example, is the source original or derivate? Is the information primary or secondary? You’ll have to determine how likely it is that the information is actually correct, which can be a tough feat.

To determine the fourth step you’ll need to consider how much weight each conflicting argument carries. You’ll have to reevaluate your information and if a resolution is still not reached, you may have to take a step back and search for additional resources.

The fifth step means to arrive at a conclusion that is best supported by the evidence and resources utilized. If conflicts still have not been resolved from step four, then you’ll need to explain why and how you came up with your conclusion.

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