Principles of Family History Research: Difference between revisions

This article is intended for persons who are interested in learning in depth about family history research. For a brief overview of the research process, see [http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/RG/Guide/Guide_to_Research.ASP A Guide to Research].  

[[Identify What You Know|STEP 1: Identify What You Know]]<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Use Appropriate Forms<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Recall Information<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gather Family Information<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gather Low-Hanging-Fruit Sources<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Record Useful Information<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Organize Your Records  

[[Use the Information#For Further Reading|For Further Reading]]  

This article explains the basic steps of the research process. Figures illustrate the text while blue boxes provide important background information. Key points (maxims) are highlighted. A short bibliography of books about research methods under “For Further Reading” is at the end of this outline. The appendix includes a useful summary diagrams of the research process and record types.  

There are many reasons why people begin researching their family history. A person may want to join a lineage society, such as the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), or find the town in the old country where the family originated. Others seek to understand their own traits and characteristics by learning about grandparents and other relatives, or they may want to have a reunion of all the descendants of a pioneer settler. Latter-day Saints (Mormons) desire to share religious blessings with their deceased relatives. All of these, and many others, are good reasons.  

At least part of the overall quest should involve sharing what you find. For example, publish a family history, put up a web site, or contribute to the Pedigree Resource File.  

Research is done in cycles. You will complete a series of steps and then repeat the steps again, using the new knowledge you have gained. An illustration of the research cycle is on the right. [[Image:Research Process Steps.png|thumb|Five Steps of the Research Cycle]]  

1. [[Identify What You Know|Identify what you know]].<br>2. [[Decide What You Want to Learn|Decide what you want to learn]].<br>3. [[Select Records to Search|Select records to search]].<br>4. [[Obtain and Search the Records|Obtain and search the records]].<br>5. [[Use the Information|Use the information]].  

[[Category:Beginners]]