73,385
edits
United States Census Analyzing Census Data (view source)
Revision as of 18:17, 22 July 2008
, 22 July 2008word smithing
(home) |
(word smithing) |
||
| Line 69: | Line 69: | ||
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. | ||
Consider the trustworthiness of any document you find. But, when two sources disagree about an event, it is important to 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? | |||
Sometimes, it is best to admit you cannot tell | Sometimes, it is best to admit you cannot explain every discrepancy, or tell which contradictory version is most trustworthy. | ||
= '''Check for Reasonable Conclusions''' = | = '''Check for Reasonable Conclusions''' = | ||