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Contradictions and discrepancies: Difference between revisions
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The best way to analyze information is by thoroughly researching and comparing against each other ALL the sources about an ancestor and his family. Understanding how to interpret the sources cannot happen until a researcher has detected and analyzed the differences and similarities between sources. Pondering and explaining discrepancies and contradictions is a crucial part of the analysis process. | The best way to analyze information is by thoroughly researching and comparing against each other ALL the sources about an ancestor and his family. Understanding how to interpret the sources cannot happen until a researcher has detected and analyzed the differences and similarities between sources. Pondering and explaining discrepancies and contradictions is a crucial part of the analysis process. | ||
== Any contradictory evidence must be resolved<ref>''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/ | == Any contradictory evidence must be resolved<ref>''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/43567656referer=brief_results The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual]'' (Orem, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, 2000), 1-2, and Thomas W. Jones, "Proved?: Five Ways to Prove Who Your Ancestor Was" (printed handout for a lecture presented to library staff, 23 October 2003, Family History Library, Salt Lake City), 1-2.</ref> == | ||
The best researchers always openly acknowledge, analyze, and attempt to explain discrepancies. It shows the thoroughness of their research, their openness with '''''all''''' the evidence, and their analytical and reasoning skills. Knowing and admitting the weaknesses of a case leads to better analysis and conclusions. It strengthens the genealogical community by setting an example of honesty, and pointing the way to better interpretation of the evidence. | The best researchers always openly acknowledge, analyze, and attempt to explain discrepancies. It shows the thoroughness of their research, their openness with '''''all''''' the evidence, and their analytical and reasoning skills. Knowing and admitting the weaknesses of a case leads to better analysis and conclusions. It strengthens the genealogical community by setting an example of honesty, and pointing the way to better interpretation of the evidence. | ||
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== Weigh these factors == | == Weigh these factors == | ||
As you analyze a contradiction or discrepancy, weigh the following factors from the Wiki article [[Use the Information#Evaluate_the_Evidence|Evaluate the Evidence]] to help determine which sources are most trustworthy, and to help explain possible causes of the problem:<br> | As you analyze a contradiction or discrepancy, weigh the following factors from the Wiki article [[Use the Information#Evaluate_the_Evidence|Evaluate the Evidence]] to help determine which sources are most trustworthy, and to help explain possible causes of the problem:<br> | ||
*[[Use the Information#Relevance_of_the_Record|Relevance of the Record]] | *[[Use the Information#Relevance_of_the_Record|Relevance of the Record]] | ||
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=== Sources === | === Sources === | ||
Always question the independence of sources. Did one source depend on the other for information, or did it come by that information without reference to the other? Was there a motive for the information provider, recorder, record keeper, or a genealogist to ‘fudge’?Was the informant in a position to know, or is this second-hand information?<br> | Always question the independence of sources. Did one source depend on the other for information, or did it come by that information without reference to the other? Was there a motive for the information provider, recorder, record keeper, or a genealogist to ‘fudge’?Was the informant in a position to know, or is this second-hand information?<br> | ||
'''''Solution:''''' An important part of genealogical research is the gathering, collation, correlation, interpretation, and analysis of all available sources against each other. When almost all the available sources about a family have been considered, you are best able to judge which are the most reliable, and reach reasonable conclusions. Always explain and resolve significant conflicts between sources. Write a statement explaining your thinking and share it with other researchers. | '''''Solution:''''' An important part of genealogical research is the gathering, collation, correlation, interpretation, and analysis of all available sources against each other. When almost all the available sources about a family have been considered, you are best able to judge which are the most reliable, and reach reasonable conclusions. Always explain and resolve significant conflicts between sources. Write a statement explaining your thinking and share it with other researchers. | ||
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{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Research_Analysis]] [[Category:Beginners]] [[Category: | [[Category:Research_Analysis]] [[Category:Beginners]] [[Category:Research_Process]] [[Category:Use_the_Information]] | ||