Genealogical Maturity: Difference between revisions

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Genealogical Maturity is a system of self evaluation and self improvement first proposed by the Ancestry Insider in 2009. The Genealogical Maturity improvement system measures one's understanding and use of the [[Genealogical Proof Standard|Genealogical Proof Standard]] and the associated Evidence Analysis Research Process Map. The system encourages improvement in five categories: sources, citations, information, evidence, and conclusions.<br> See other articles in this series at:
Genealogical Maturity is a system of self evaluation and self improvement first proposed by the Ancestry Insider in 2009. The Genealogical Maturity model measures one's understanding and use of the [[Genealogical Proof Standard|Genealogical Proof Standard]]. and the associated Evidence Analysis Research Process Map. The model measures improvement in five areas: sources, citations, information, evidence, and conclusions.<br>  
:[[Sources and Baby Steps|Sources and Baby Steps]]
:[[Information Baby Steps|Information Baby Steps]]
:[[Evidence Baby Steps|Evidence Baby Steps]]
:[[Conclusions and Baby Steps|Conclusions and Baby Steps]]
:[[Citation Baby Steps|Citation Baby Steps]]
 


== Definitions  ==
== Definitions  ==


Terminology used in the Genealogical Maturity improvement system uses common, dictionary definitions. Definitions for the following terms are taken from the dictionary, with clarifications from leading genealogists.  
The Genealogical Maturity model uses dictionary definitions as much as possible, with clarifications from leading genealogists.  


'''source '''– 1. the origin that supplies information.<ref>''Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary'', online edition (www.m-w.com : accessed 23 November 2009), “source.”</ref> 2. “an artifact, book, document, film, person, recording, website, etc., from which information is obtained.”<ref>Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FNGS, FASG, FUGA, ''Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace'', 2nd ed. [hereinafter, ''EE2''] (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2009), 828.</ref>  
'''source '''– 1. the origin that supplies information.<ref>''Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary'', online edition (www.m-w.com : accessed 23 November 2009), “source.”</ref> 2. “an artifact, book, document, film, person, recording, website, etc., from which information is obtained.”<ref>Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FNGS, FASG, FUGA, ''Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace'', 2nd ed. [hereinafter, EE2] (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2009), 828.</ref>  


'''citation '''– 1. “citations are statements in which we identify our source or sources for…particular [informatio[[Category:Evaluating Evidence]].”<ref>Mills, ''EE2'', 42.</ref> 2. “a citation states where you found [the cited] piece of information.”<ref>Patricia Law Hatcher, CG, FASG, quoted in ''The Source'', ed. Loretto Dennis Szucs, FUGA, and Sandra Hargreaves Luebking, FUGA, 3rd ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2006) p. 24; citing “How Do You Know?” in ''Producing a Quality Family History'' (Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1996), 117.</ref>  
'''citation '''– 1. “citations are statements in which we identify our source or sources for…particular [information].”<ref>Mills, EE2, 42.</ref> 2. “a citation states where you found [the cited] piece of information.”<ref>Patricia Law Hatcher, CG, FASG, quoted in The Source, ed. Loretto Dennis Szucs, FUGA, and Sandra Hargreaves Luebking, FUGA, 3rd ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2006) p. 24; citing “How Do You Know?” in Producing a Quality Family History (Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1996), 117.</ref>  


'''information '''- 1. “knowledge obtained from investigation.”<ref>''Merriam-Webster'', “information.”</ref> 2. “the content of a source—that is, its factual statements or its raw data.”<ref>Mills, ''EE2'', 24.</ref>  
'''information '''- 1. “knowledge obtained from investigation.”<ref>Merriam-Webster, “information.”</ref> 2. “the content of a source—that is, its factual statements or its raw data.”<ref>Mills, EE2, 24.</ref>  


'''evidence '''– 1. “something that furnishes proof.”<ref>''Merriam-Webster'', “evidence.”</ref> 2. “information that is relevant to the problem.”<ref>Mills, ''EE2'', 822.</ref> 3. analyzed and correlated information assessed to be of sufficient quality.<ref>Christine Rose,CG, CGL, FASG,, ''Genealogical Proof Standard: Building a Solid Case'' (San Jose, California: CR Publications, 2005), 2.</ref> 4. “the information that we conclude—after careful evaluation—supports or contradicts the statement we would like to make, or are about to make, about an ancestor.”<ref>The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), ''The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual'', ed. Helen F. M. Leary, CG, CGL, FASG, (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2000), 8.</ref>  
'''evidence '''– 1. “something that furnishes proof.”<ref>Merriam-Webster, “evidence.”</ref> 2. “information that is relevant to the problem.”<ref>Mills, ''EE2'', 822.</ref> 3. analyzed and correlated information assessed to be of sufficient quality.<ref>Christine Rose,CG, CGL, FASG,, ''Genealogical Proof Standard: Building a Solid Case'' (San Jose, California: CR Publications, 2005), 2.</ref> 4. “the information that we conclude—after careful evaluation—supports or contradicts the statement we would like to make, or are about to make, about an ancestor.”<ref>The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual, ed. Helen F. M. Leary, CG, CGL, FASG, (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2000), 8.</ref>  


'''conclusion '''– 1. “a reasoned judgment.”<ref>''Merriam-Webster'', “conclusion.”</ref> 2. “a decision [that should b[[Category:Evaluating Evidence]] based on well-reasoned and thoroughly documented evidence gleaned from sound research.”<ref name="EE820">Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FNGS, FASG, FUGA, ''Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace'', 2nd ed. [hereinafter, ''EE2''] (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2009), 820.</ref>
'''conclusion '''– 1. “a reasoned judgment.”<ref>''Merriam-Webster'', “conclusion.”</ref> 2. “a decision [that should be] based on well-reasoned and thoroughly documented evidence gleaned from sound research.”<ref>Mills, EE2, 820.</ref>  


== Step 1. Self Evaluation  ==
== Self Evaluation<br> ==


The self evaluation step of the Genealogy Maturity system consists of reading through the following five tables, placing a check mark next to each statement that describes you. There is one table for each of the five categories. Ignore row number and maturity level during the self evaluation step.<br>  
The model asks that a person place a check mark next to each of the following statements that describes him or her. <br>  


=== Sources  ===
=== Sources  ===


{{Template:Genealogical_Maturity_Sources_Table}}  
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
! scope="col" | #
! scope="col" | Maturity Level
! scope="col" | Sources
! scope="col" | Check
|-
| 1.
| Entry
| Typically relies on compiled genealogies.
|
|-
| 2.
|
|
|
|}
 
<br>
 
<br> 1. Entry
 
Typically relies on compiled genealogies.
 
2. Emerging
 
Mostly relies on compiled genealogies and online sources.
 
3. Practicing
 
Uses a limited number of record types and repositories. Mostly relies on online and microfilmed sources.
 
4. Proficient
 
Uses a wide variety of record types. Often contacts record custodians to obtain copies of high-quality sources.
 
5. Stellar
 
Insightfully pursues research at multiple, targeted repositories, making use of a plethora of records and record types. "Burned counties" are not roadblocks.


=== Citations  ===
=== Citations  ===


{{Template:Genealogical_Maturity_Citations_Table}}  
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
! scope="col" | #
! scope="col" | Maturity Level
! scope="col" | Citations
! scope="col" | Check
|-
|
|
|
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|}
 
1. Entry
 
Captures URLs for online sources and citations for published sources.
 
2. Emerging
 
Increasingly captures necessary information for manuscript sources.
 
3. Practicing
 
Typically produces complete source citations.
 
4. Proficient
 
Gives complete and accurate source citations including provenance and quality assessment.
 
5. Stellar
 
Overcomes limitations of genealogical software to create well organized, industry standard reference notes and source lists.


=== Information  ===
=== Information  ===


{{Template:Genealogical_Maturity_Information_Table}}  
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
! scope="col" | #
! scope="col" | Maturity Level
! scope="col" | Information
! scope="col" | Check
|-
|
|
|
|
|-
|
|
|
|
|}
 
1. Entry
 
Typically does not realize the need to judge information quality and has no basis for doing so.
 
2. Emerging


=== Evidence  ===
Emerging realization that information quality differs. Muddles evaluation by thinking of primary/secondary sources instead of primary/secondary information, leading to muddled evaluation when sources contain both.
 
3. Practicing


{{Template:Genealogical_Maturity_Evidence_Table}}
Judges information by source type, informant knowledge, and record timing. Applies "primary/secondary" to information instead of sources.


=== Conclusions  ===
4. Proficient


{{Template:Genealogical_Maturity_Conclusions_Table}}
Additionally, learns history necessary to recognize and evaluate all explicit information in a source.


== Step 2. Inventory  ==
5. Stellar


Identify the first blank row number in each category table. For example, in the Conclusions category if I placed check marks in rows 1 and 2 and no other rows, then row 3 is the first row without a check mark.<br>
Additionally, utilizes implicit information in a source. Finds information in cases like illegitimacy that stump most researchers.  


Write the first blank row numbers in this inventory table:<br>
=== Evidence  ===


{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1" border="1" style="width: 248px; height: 129px;"
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
|-
! scope="col" | Category<br>
! scope="col" | #
! scope="col" | First Blank Row #<br>
! scope="col" | Maturity Level
! scope="col" | Evidence
! scope="col" | Check
|-
|-
| Sources<br>
|  
| <br>
|  
|
|
|-
|-
| Citations<br>
|  
| <br>
|  
|
|
|}
 
1. Entry
 
Limited understanding of evidence and the role it plays. Typically ignores conflicting evidence.
 
2. Emerging
 
Captures direct, supporting evidence and increasingly depends upon it.
 
3. Practicing
 
Additionally, captures directly conflicting evidence.
 
4. Proficient
 
Additionally, recognizes and captures indirect, supporting evidence.
 
5. Stellar
 
Additionally, recognizes and captures indirect, conflicting evidence.
 
=== Conclusions  ===
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
|-
| Information<br>
! scope="col" | #
| <br>
! scope="col" | Maturity Level
! scope="col" | Conclusions
! scope="col" | Check
|-
|-
| Evidence<br>
|  
| <br>
|  
|
|
|-
|-
| Conclusions<br>
|  
| <br>
|  
|
|
|}
|}


== Step 3. Identify<br>  ==
1. Entry


Identify a category for improvement. The category can be the one with the lowest number in the inventory table, or another category of interest. Go back to the chosen category table. From the first blank row of the chosen category, note the description. The description identifies the skill or practice that you must adopt to advance to the next maturity level.<br>
In the absence of analysis, reaches conclusions by instinct.  


For example, if I chose the Conclusions category and row 3 is the first blank row, I identify that I need to learn to use or resolve conflicting evidence and I need to correctly identify persons mentioned in sources.<br>
2. Emerging


== Step 4. Improve<br>  ==
Learning to evaluate the quality of sources, information, and evidence. Emerging ability to resolve minor discrepancies.  


Set a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_criteria S.M.A.R.T.] goal to improve in the identified skill or practice. A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound.<br>
3. Practicing


For example, to improve in row 3 in the Conclusions category, I might set a goal to ask a [[Board for Certification of Genealogists|certified genealogis[[Category:Evaluating Evidence]]] to recommend a book, article, or class that I might use to learn how to resolve conflicting evidence, and to complete this goal by the end of the week.  
Additionally, resolves conflicting evidence or uses it to disprove prevalent opinion. Usually applies correct identity to persons mentioned in sources.  


== Step 5. Iterate  ==
4. Proficient


At the end of the time period for the goal in step 4, go back through steps 1 through 4 and set a new goal. Do this whether or not you successfully completed the last goal.  
Additionally, when necessary creates soundly reasoned, coherently documented conclusions utilizing direct and indirect evidence.  


For example, if I completed a goal to get a recommendation on a resource for learning how to resolve conflicting evidence, I might set a new goal to use that resource.  
5. Stellar


== Notes ==
Additionally: Publishes clear and convincing conclusions. Teaches and inspires others.
 
<br>
 
== Self Improvement ==


<br>


== References ==
== Notes  ==
<references />


[[Category:Baby Steps]][[Category:Evaluating Evidence]]
<references /><br>

Revision as of 12:38, 23 January 2011

Genealogical Maturity is a system of self evaluation and self improvement first proposed by the Ancestry Insider in 2009. The Genealogical Maturity model measures one's understanding and use of the Genealogical Proof Standard. and the associated Evidence Analysis Research Process Map. The model measures improvement in five areas: sources, citations, information, evidence, and conclusions.

Definitions[edit | edit source]

The Genealogical Maturity model uses dictionary definitions as much as possible, with clarifications from leading genealogists.

source – 1. the origin that supplies information.[1] 2. “an artifact, book, document, film, person, recording, website, etc., from which information is obtained.”[2]

citation – 1. “citations are statements in which we identify our source or sources for…particular [information].”[3] 2. “a citation states where you found [the cited] piece of information.”[4]

information - 1. “knowledge obtained from investigation.”[5] 2. “the content of a source—that is, its factual statements or its raw data.”[6]

evidence – 1. “something that furnishes proof.”[7] 2. “information that is relevant to the problem.”[8] 3. analyzed and correlated information assessed to be of sufficient quality.[9] 4. “the information that we conclude—after careful evaluation—supports or contradicts the statement we would like to make, or are about to make, about an ancestor.”[10]

conclusion – 1. “a reasoned judgment.”[11] 2. “a decision [that should be] based on well-reasoned and thoroughly documented evidence gleaned from sound research.”[12]

Self Evaluation
[edit | edit source]

The model asks that a person place a check mark next to each of the following statements that describes him or her.

Sources[edit | edit source]

# Maturity Level Sources Check
1. Entry Typically relies on compiled genealogies.
2.



1. Entry

Typically relies on compiled genealogies.

2. Emerging

Mostly relies on compiled genealogies and online sources.

3. Practicing

Uses a limited number of record types and repositories. Mostly relies on online and microfilmed sources.

4. Proficient

Uses a wide variety of record types. Often contacts record custodians to obtain copies of high-quality sources.

5. Stellar

Insightfully pursues research at multiple, targeted repositories, making use of a plethora of records and record types. "Burned counties" are not roadblocks.

Citations[edit | edit source]

# Maturity Level Citations Check

1. Entry

Captures URLs for online sources and citations for published sources.

2. Emerging

Increasingly captures necessary information for manuscript sources.

3. Practicing

Typically produces complete source citations.

4. Proficient

Gives complete and accurate source citations including provenance and quality assessment.

5. Stellar

Overcomes limitations of genealogical software to create well organized, industry standard reference notes and source lists.

Information[edit | edit source]

# Maturity Level Information Check

1. Entry

Typically does not realize the need to judge information quality and has no basis for doing so.

2. Emerging

Emerging realization that information quality differs. Muddles evaluation by thinking of primary/secondary sources instead of primary/secondary information, leading to muddled evaluation when sources contain both.

3. Practicing

Judges information by source type, informant knowledge, and record timing. Applies "primary/secondary" to information instead of sources.

4. Proficient

Additionally, learns history necessary to recognize and evaluate all explicit information in a source.

5. Stellar

Additionally, utilizes implicit information in a source. Finds information in cases like illegitimacy that stump most researchers.

Evidence[edit | edit source]

# Maturity Level Evidence Check

1. Entry

Limited understanding of evidence and the role it plays. Typically ignores conflicting evidence.

2. Emerging

Captures direct, supporting evidence and increasingly depends upon it.

3. Practicing

Additionally, captures directly conflicting evidence.

4. Proficient

Additionally, recognizes and captures indirect, supporting evidence.

5. Stellar

Additionally, recognizes and captures indirect, conflicting evidence.

Conclusions[edit | edit source]

# Maturity Level Conclusions Check

1. Entry

In the absence of analysis, reaches conclusions by instinct.

2. Emerging

Learning to evaluate the quality of sources, information, and evidence. Emerging ability to resolve minor discrepancies.

3. Practicing

Additionally, resolves conflicting evidence or uses it to disprove prevalent opinion. Usually applies correct identity to persons mentioned in sources.

4. Proficient

Additionally, when necessary creates soundly reasoned, coherently documented conclusions utilizing direct and indirect evidence.

5. Stellar

Additionally: Publishes clear and convincing conclusions. Teaches and inspires others.


Self Improvement[edit | edit source]


Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, online edition (www.m-w.com : accessed 23 November 2009), “source.”
  2. ↑ Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FNGS, FASG, FUGA, Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace, 2nd ed. [hereinafter, EE2] (Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2009), 828.
  3. ↑ Mills, EE2, 42.
  4. ↑ Patricia Law Hatcher, CG, FASG, quoted in The Source, ed. Loretto Dennis Szucs, FUGA, and Sandra Hargreaves Luebking, FUGA, 3rd ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2006) p. 24; citing “How Do You Know?” in Producing a Quality Family History (Salt Lake City: Ancestry, 1996), 117.
  5. ↑ Merriam-Webster, “information.”
  6. ↑ Mills, EE2, 24.
  7. ↑ Merriam-Webster, “evidence.”
  8. ↑ Mills, EE2, 822.
  9. ↑ Christine Rose,CG, CGL, FASG,, Genealogical Proof Standard: Building a Solid Case (San Jose, California: CR Publications, 2005), 2.
  10. ↑ The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual, ed. Helen F. M. Leary, CG, CGL, FASG, (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2000), 8.
  11. ↑ Merriam-Webster, “conclusion.”
  12. ↑ Mills, EE2, 820.


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