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United States Census Analyzing Census Data: Difference between revisions
United States Census Analyzing Census Data (view source)
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Do not ignore contradictions. Embrace contradictory evidence in censuses or other sources and try to explain it. This honesty will strengthen the case you are trying to make. | Do not ignore contradictions. Embrace contradictory evidence in censuses or other sources and try to explain it. This honesty will strengthen the case you are trying to make. | ||
When two sources disagree about an event, analyze which source is the most trustworthy. Was the person who provided the information in a position to know? Was the information recorded near the time of the event or years later? Is the information primary or was it compiled from other sources? Was it reliably copied? Was care taken in making the record and preserving it? Did the information provider or record keeper have any ulterior motives? Which version of events is most consistent with other facts? | |||
= '''Check for Reasonable Conclusions''' = | = '''Check for Reasonable Conclusions''' = | ||