|
|
| (178 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown) |
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| [[Obtain and Search the Records|''Previous page'']] | | {{breadcrumb |
| | | link1=[[Research Process|Research Process]] |
| | | link2= |
| | | link3= |
| | | link4= |
| | | link5=[[Use the Information]] |
| | }} |
|
| |
|
| '''Step 5: Use the information.''' | | '''Step 5: Evaluate and Use the information.''' |
|
| |
|
| After you have searched records you are ready to use the information you found. | | After you have searched records you are ready to use the information you found. |
|
| |
|
| To make best use of the information— | | To make best use of the information— |
|
| |
|
| * Evaluate what you found. | | *Evaluate what you found. |
| * Transfer needed information to the appropriate forms. | | *Transfer needed information to the appropriate forms. |
| * Organize the new records. | | *Organize the new records. |
| * Share your findings. | | *Share your findings. |
|
| |
|
| When you have completed this step, you will have new information organized on family group record and/or pedigree charts. You may also have recorded the information in personal or family history notes. | | When you have completed this step, you will have new information organized on family group record and/or pedigree charts. You may also have recorded the information in personal or family history notes. |
|
| |
|
| When you have learned all you wish to learn about a family, share your information with others by contributing it to Ancestral File or by preparing and publishing a book or article or putting up an Internet site. Latter-day Saint Church members will want to prepare their ancestors’ names for temple ordinances. | | When you have learned all you wish to learn about a family, share your information with others by contributing it to Internet databases like FamilySearch Family Tree, or by preparing and publishing a book, or article, or putting up an Internet site. |
|
| |
|
| You will also be ready to start the process again and return to Step 1 to research another objective or individual. | | You will also be ready to start the process again and return to Step 1 to research another objective or individual. |
|
| |
|
| = '''Evaluate the Evidence''' = | | === Table of Contents for Step 5. Use the Information === |
|
| |
|
| Having found one or more records about a person, it is time to evaluate what you found and determine how helpful and reliable it is.
| | 1 [[Evaluate the Evidence]] |
|
| |
|
| <br> | | :1.1 [[Evaluate the Evidence#Relevance_of_the_Record|Relevance of the Record]] |
| | :1.2 [[Evaluate the Evidence#Category_of_the_Record|Category of the Record]] |
| | :1.3 [[Evaluate the Evidence#Format_of_the_Record|Format of the Record]] |
| | :1.4 [[Evaluate the Evidence#Nature_of_the_Information|Nature of the Information]] |
| | :1.5 [[Evaluate the Evidence#Directness_of_the_Evidence|Directness of the Evidence]] |
| | :1.6 [[Evaluate the Evidence#Consistency_and_Clarity_of_the_Facts|Consistency and Clarity of the Facts]] |
| | :1.7 [[Evaluate the Evidence#Likelihood_of_Events|Likelihood of Events]] |
| | :1.8 [[Evaluate the Evidence#Establishing_Proof|Establishing Proof]] |
| | ::1.8.1 [[Evaluate the Evidence#Clear_and_convincing_evidence|Clear and convincing evidence]] |
| | ::1.8.2 [[Evaluate the Evidence#Genealogical_Proof_Standard|Genealogical Proof Standard]]<br><br> |
|
| |
|
| <br>
| | 2 [[Transfer the Information]] |
|
| |
|
| == '''Relevance of the Record''' ==
| | :2.1 [[Transfer the Information#Cite_Your_Sources|Cite Your Sources]]<br><br> |
|
| |
|
| The first evaluation to make is whether the record pertains to the person or family being searched.
| | 3 [[Organize the New Records]] |
|
| |
|
| == '''Category of the Record''' ==
| | :3.1 [[Organize the New Records#Using_a_Computer_for_Genealogy|Using a Computer for Genealogy]]<br><br> |
|
| |
|
| Each category of records has to be evaluated differently. Some tend to be more accurate than others.
| | 4 [[Share the Information]] |
|
| |
|
| === '''''Original records''''' ===
| | :4.1 [[Share the Information#Family|Family]] |
| | :4.2 [[Share the Information#Online_Databases_Like_New_FamilySearch|Online Databases Like New FamilySearch]] |
| | :4.3 [[Share the Information#Put_Up_a_Genealogy_Web_Page|Put Up a Genealogy Web Page]] |
| | :4.4 [[Share the Information#Write_a_Family_History|Write a Family History]] |
| | :4.5 [[Share the Information#Participate_in_a_Family_or_Surname_Association|Participate in a Family or Surname Association]] |
| | :4.6 [[Share the Information#Donate_Your_Files|Donate Your Files]]<br><br> |
|
| |
|
| Original records tend to be more accurate than compiled records.
| | 5 [[Latter-day Saint Genealogy Resources]] |
|
| |
|
| === '''''Compiled records''''' ===
| | 6 [[Restart the Research Cycle]] |
|
| |
|
| Compiled records tend to be easier to use and contain more information.
| | 7 [[Principles of Family History Research For Further Reading|For Further Reading]] |
|
| |
|
| === '''''Finding aids''''' === | | ==See also== |
| | [[What to do with the genealogy and family history I collected]] |
|
| |
|
| Finding aids sometimes contain mistakes which can mislead the researcher, such as wrong page numbers in an index.
| | <br>{{Principles}} |
|
| |
|
| === '''''Background information''''' ===
| | [[pt:Passo_5:_Avaliando_e_utilizando_informações]] |
| | [[es:Utilice la información obtenida]] |
|
| |
|
| Background information is sometimes misinterpreted or applied incorrectly to individual cases.
| | [[Category:Principles of Family History Research Series]][[Category:Evaluating Evidence]] |
| | |
| == '''Format of the Record''' ==
| |
| | |
| Photographic copies, including microfilm, microfiche, digital, and photocopies are virtually as good as the actual document, although they may sometimes be hard to read. Be on watch for deliberate alterations.
| |
| | |
| == '''Origin of the Information''' ==
| |
| | |
| A key to interpreting information is determining how close in time it was recorded to the event it describes.
| |
| | |
| === '''''Primary Information''''' ===
| |
| | |
| Primary information was recorded at or near the time of the event by someone closely associated with it.
| |
| | |
| === '''''Secondary Information''''' ===
| |
| | |
| Secondary information was recorded much later than the event or recorded by a person who was not associated with the event.
| |
| | |
| === '''''Accuracy''''' ===
| |
| | |
| Secondary information is not necessarily less correct.
| |
| | |
| === '''''Sources of Information''''' ===
| |
| | |
| Ask who recorded the information and how did the recorder know what happened?
| |
| | |
| === '''''Insufficient Information''''' ===
| |
| | |
| Often information is missing from a record you expect should include it.
| |
| | |
| == '''Consistency and Clarity of the Facts''' ==
| |
| | |
| As you evaluate the information in the records you found, you must determine how well the facts were recorded.
| |
| | |
| === '''Consistent Facts''' ===
| |
| | |
| Are any facts inconsistent with other facts?
| |
| | |
| === '''Corroborating or Conflicting Sources''' ===
| |
| | |
| Do '''''independent''''' sources created without reference to each other agree on the facts? Does the information you found contradict other sources?
| |
| | |
| === '''''Names''''' ===
| |
| | |
| Are they clearly recorded?
| |
| | |
| === '''''Dates''''' ===
| |
| | |
| Are the dates written in an understandable style?
| |
| | |
| === '''''Places''''' ===
| |
| | |
| Are the places named and clearly identified?
| |
| | |
| === '''''Relationships''''' ===
| |
| | |
| Does the document state relationships directly, or only suggest them?
| |
| | |
| == '''Likelihood of Events''' ==
| |
| | |
| Even if the events were clearly recorded, you must also determine if the events described in the records really could have happened.
| |
| | |
| == '''Directness of the Evidence''' ==
| |
| | |
| The information in a record is contained in a statement that provides either direct or indirect evidence regarding your research objective.
| |
| | |
| === '''''Direct statements''''' ===
| |
| | |
| Direct statements give a straightforward fact.
| |
| | |
| === '''''Indirect statements''''' ===
| |
| | |
| Indirect statements support a fact by reasonable inference.
| |
| | |
| == '''Establishing Proof''' ==
| |
| | |
| Each record and each piece of evidence in a record can be evaluated individually, but ''proof'' is the accumulation of acceptable evidence.
| |
| | |
| === '''''Clear and convincing evidence''''' ===
| |
| | |
| Clear and convincing evidence means that the accumulated evidence in favor of a point is so strong that any reasonable person would also make the same conclusions.
| |
| | |
| === '''''Genealogical Proof Standard''''' ===
| |
| | |
| The Genealogical Proof Standard is another way of measuring the likelihood that genealogical conclusions reflect reality.
| |
| <!--{12084856979371} -->
| |
| | |
| = '''Transfer the Information''' =
| |
| | |
| Transfer the new information about your objective to the appropriate family group record and/or pedigree chart. The new information may correct earlier information, answer questions, or pose new questions. Where new information conflicts with what is already on the forms, you must determine which is correct. You may want to record both pieces of information until you can determine which, if either, is correct. However, be discrete with confidential or harmful information. After comparing the old and new information, you can return to Step 2 and choose new objectives.
| |
| | |
| == '''Cite Your Sources''' ==
| |
| | |
| Every time you add new information to your forms or database, cite the source of that information. You may record sources on the bottom or back of most family group record forms or on an attached sheet. If you are using a computer program, there is usually a field for recording source notes.
| |
| | |
| Citing your sources will—
| |
| | |
| * Help you and other researchers avoid duplicate searches later.
| |
| * Give other family researchers confidence in your research.
| |
| * Enable other family researchers to check you sources for additional information.<br>
| |
| | |
| {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="width: 234px; height: 49px;"
| |
| |-
| |
| | bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" | Provide enough information so anyone<br>could easily find the source later.<br>
| |
| |}
| |
| | |
| Without documenting sources, your information is unproven. As you cite a source, be sure anyone could (1) readily locate or identify the source later and (2) evaluate the validity of the source. You should usually include—
| |
| | |
| * ''Author’s Name'' or provider of information.
| |
| * ''Title'' of the record or book.
| |
| * ''Place'' of the original information (such as a county name, or a book’s city and publisher.)
| |
| * ''Date'' of information (if a book, year of publication.)
| |
| * ''Page'' or entry number, telling where the information is in the record.
| |
| * ''Location'' of the copy you examined (a call number for library materials, or the person who has possession of the record.)
| |
| | |
| Only cite the sources you have seen. If you received information second-hand from others, identify the person who provided the information, such as “Lakeshore Cemetery as researched by John Leland.”
| |
| | |
| Examples of recorded sources:
| |
| | |
| * From ''personal knowledge'': “Thelma Winter, daughter of George and Grace Winter, statement made at Los Angeles, 24 June 1976. She was present at the funeral of her sister, Margaret.”
| |
| | |
| * From ''family sources'': “Maude Family Bible; p. 614, copy owned by David Merrik, American Fork, Utah. Births of the children appear to have been recorded on the date they occurred.”
| |
| | |
| “Letter from John Schmitt, Boston, MA, to Sally Hansen n Chicago, IL dated 4 June 1883; photocopy in possession of Aaron Jones, Santa Clara, CA.”
| |
| | |
| “Family group record of Aaron Pierce in possession of Albert Fairfield, 1318 Wilmont Drive, Medford, Oregon. Original source unknown.”
| |
| | |
| * From a ''published book'': “Mary Coffin Johnson, ''The Higleys and Their Ancestry, 1630-1892''. New York: D. Appleton, 1896; pp 9-15; (Sutro C571 H639 1896).”
| |
| | |
| * From a manuscript ''document'' or ''certificate'': “Probate packet for Lawrence Mitchell; County Clerk; Sullivan Co. NH, Will dated 3 August 1838, probate settled 6 June 1846; photocopy in possession of Aaron Jones, Santa Clara, CA.”
| |
| | |
| “Birth Cert of Harriet Meyerink; 1918; Dept of Vital Statistics, Sacramento CA, Cert #342890; in possession of Aaron Jones, Santa Clara, CA.”
| |
| | |
| “Census: 1850 Lincoln Co. NE; E.D. 47; p. 271; FHL film 973025.”
| |
| | |
| For records from a library or archives, include the repository name and call numbers (a film or book number) or document numbers. For example, for a record from the Famiy History Library, ''add'' the following to your description:
| |
| | |
| “FHL film 906828 item 3”
| |
| | |
| “FHL book 974.9 H2ne”<br>
| |
| | |
| As you document your findings—
| |
| | |
| * Be consistent in the format you use.
| |
| * Avoid unfamiliar abbreviations.
| |
| * List all the sources used to support your findings.
| |
| * Identify any conflicting or missing information.
| |
| * Indicate if additional research is needed.
| |
| | |
| For more information on recording sources and footnote style guides see [[Cite Your Sources (Source Footnotes)]].
| |
| | |
| = '''Organize New Records''' =
| |
| | |
| File your newly acquired records and extracts (see [[Identify What You Know#Record Useful Information|Record Useful Information]]).
| |
| | |
| <br>
| |
| | |
| <br>
| |
| | |
| === '''Using a Computer for Genealogy''' ===
| |
| | |
| {| width="720" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center"
| |
| |+ '''Using a Computer for Genealogy'''
| |
| |-
| |
| | bgcolor="#66ffff" align="left" | You do not have to have a personal computer to keep genealogy records, but it helps! Computer note keeping offers an important advantage. After typing the information once, you can use it repeatedly in many different ways. The same information can be used in pedigrees, family group records and descendancy charts, and is easily shared for other people to use. This flexibility saves time. Reports and charts are easily updated without extensive retyping. A computer program can help you analyze some information by preparing special reports, such as possible errors (for example, children born before parents’ births). However, computers may be expensive and are not as portable as a pencil and paper.
| |
| Specially designed computer programs are available to help genealogists more easily compile—
| |
| | |
| * Lineage-linked databases (files which can be searched by name, date, place, or relationship and which show a person’s ancestors and descendants)<br>
| |
| * Reports and charts<br>
| |
| * Blank forms (for example, research logs)<br>
| |
| * Autobiographies and family histories<br>
| |
| * Indexes<br>
| |
| * Transcriptions of records such as censuses
| |
| | |
| When selecting computer programs to help with genealogical note keeping, consider these factors:
| |
| | |
| * Does it enable you to create a lineage-linked database and to print the reports and charts you want?<br>
| |
| * Does the program communicate and work well with New FamilySearch?<br>
| |
| * Does the program support GEDCOM? (Genealogical Data COMmunications) so you can easily send and receive genealogical information and contribute to Ancestral File?<br>
| |
| * Does the publisher have a good record of answering user questions and helping to solve problems?<br>
| |
| * Is it easy to use?<br>
| |
| * Is the price reasonable?<br>
| |
| * Does the program offer all the features and capabilities you want?
| |
| | |
| Two helpful reviews of dozens of genealogy programs are on the Internet at:
| |
| | |
| * “Best Genealogy Software” ConsumerSearch at http://www.consumersearch.com/www/software/genealogy-software/ [cited 5 April 2008].<br>
| |
| * “Genealogy Software Reviews, Ratings, and Comparisons” About.com:Genealogy at http://genealogy.about.com/od/software_reviews/ [cited 5 April 2008]<br>
| |
| | |
| |}
| |
| | |
| <!--{12084873671093} --> <!--{12084873671094} -->
| |
| <!--{12084873671095} -->
| |
| | |
| = '''Share the Information''' =
| |
| | |
| Researchers benefit greatly from the work of earlier researchers. Often several researchers are interested in the same ancestors. Because researchers rely so heavily on the findings of others, sharing information is the way to return the favor.
| |
| | |
| [[Sharing: a good way to FIND ancestors|Sharing is also a great way to ''find'' ancestors]]. Sharing leads to collaboration between researchers. Cousins will begin to contact you asking for more information. Sometimes the questions they ask will result in work that leads to new information. Once in awhile they will donate the new information directly to you.<br>
| |
| | |
| {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="width: 285px; height: 43px;"
| |
| |-
| |
| | bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" | Sharing is a good way to FIND ancestors.
| |
| |}
| |
| | |
| In genealogical research, it may never be possible to "verify" all information, but we can have high confidence in research that is thorough and reasonable. Such efforts produce quality sources and benefit the genealogical community.
| |
| | |
| If you are using a computer program for your genealogical record keeping, be sure it supports GEDCOM (see [Using a Computer for Genealogy]) so that you can share your information with others.
| |
| | |
| == '''Family''' ==
| |
| | |
| Share your newly discovered information with family members who provided information and with others who may be interested. A family reunion or family newsletter can be an excellent way to share information and help locate others who are interested in your family history.
| |
| | |
| == '''Pedigree Resource File''' ==
| |
| | |
| An important way to share your findings is to contribute to the Pedigree Resource File.
| |
| | |
| == '''New FamilySearch''' ==
| |
| | |
| Another valuable way to share your findings is to help correct information displayed in New FamilySearch. In a sense, the New FamilySearch is WikiPedigree of the world. Adding source documentation, merging, and correcting this Internet file all help.
| |
| | |
| == '''Put Up a Website''' ==
| |
| | |
| Sharing your genealogy on an Internet website is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to publish your findings.
| |
| | |
| == '''Write a Family History''' ==
| |
| | |
| Your family's history can be a source of enjoyment and education for your family.
| |
| | |
| === '''Books.''' ===
| |
| | |
| With the growing popularity of "desk top publishing," it is becoming very easy to publish a book about your family.
| |
| | |
| === '''Periodical Article.''' ===
| |
| | |
| If you don't have enough information or funding to write a book, you may want to write a short article for a genealogical periodical.
| |
| | |
| == '''Participate in a Family or Surname Association''' ==
| |
| | |
| Others may be searching for the same families you are researching or may have found information they wish to share.
| |
| | |
| == '''Donate Your Files''' ==
| |
| | |
| On occasion it may not be possible to publish your findings. <!--{120754058365639} --> <!--{120754058365640} --> <!--{120754058365641} --> <!--{120754058365642} --> <!--{120754058365643} --> <!--{120754058365644} --> <!--{120754058365645} --> <!--{120754058365646} --> <!--{120754058365647} -->
| |
| <!--{120754058365648} -->
| |
| | |
| = '''Prepare Names for Temple Ordinances''' =
| |
| | |
| If you are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints be sure to submit information about your desceasedfamily members so you can provide temple ordinances for them.
| |
| | |
| = '''Restart the Research Cycle''' =
| |
| | |
| Ongoing genealogical research is the process of repeating, cycle after cycle, the fivesteps of the research discussed in this article.
| |
| | |
| <br> '''For Further Reading'''
| |
| | |
| '''Appendixes''' <!--{12078385022180} --><!--{12078385022181} --><!--{12078385022182} --><!--{12078385022183} --><!--{12078385022184} --><!--{12078385022185} --><!--{12078385022186} --><!--{12078385022187} --><!--{12078385022188} --><!--{12078385022189} --><!--{120783850221810} --><!--{120783850221811} --> <!--{120783850221812} --> <!--{120783850221813} --> <!--{120783850221814} --> <!--{120783850221815} --> <!--{120783850221816} --> <!--{120783850221817} --> <!--{120783850221818} --> <!--{120783850221819} --> <!--{120783850221820} --> <!--{120783850221821} --> <!--{120783850221822} --> <!--{120783850221823} --> <!--{120783850221824} --> <!--{120783850221825} -->
| |
| | |
| '''[[Category:Beginners]]'''
| |
| <!--{120783850221826} -->
| |