3
edits
m
→Research Logs
m (Text replacement - "{{ featured article }}" to " ") |
m (→Research Logs) |
||
| Line 28: | Line 28: | ||
== '''Research Logs''' == | == '''Research Logs''' == | ||
There are two advantages to listing the source on your [[Research Logs|research log]] BEFORE you see the source (documenting as you go). First, it helps overcome the temptation to skip writing down sources after an unsuccessful search. It is important to know the sources '''''without''''' your ancestors in order to avoid repeatedly going back to such sources. But it also helps to keep track of unsuccessful searches | There are two advantages to listing the source on your [[Research Logs|research log]] BEFORE you see the source (documenting as you go). First, it helps overcome the temptation to skip writing down sources after an unsuccessful search. It is important to know the sources '''''without''''' your ancestors in order to avoid repeatedly going back to such sources. But it also helps to keep track of unsuccessful searches as a way of warning this is not working—time to change tactics. | ||
The second reason for filling out research logs before looking at the source is because repository '''''catalogs''''' often describe the source better than the source itself. Also, if you use the same description of the source as the repository, other researchers will be able to repeat your search more easily. | The second reason for filling out research logs before looking at the source is because repository '''''catalogs''''' often describe the source better than the source itself. Also, if you use the same description of the source as the repository, other researchers will be able to repeat your search more easily. | ||
| Line 36: | Line 36: | ||
After an '''''unsuccessful search''''' write '''nil''' or '''Ø''' to show you did the search but did not find anything useful. Negative evidence needs to be considered from time to time. Seeing too many nils is a warning it is time to do something different. Documenting as you go after a '''''successful search''''' means you describe on your research log the people and events you found in the source, and list the place where you have filed the photocopy. This turns your log into a table of contents of your sources. | After an '''''unsuccessful search''''' write '''nil''' or '''Ø''' to show you did the search but did not find anything useful. Negative evidence needs to be considered from time to time. Seeing too many nils is a warning it is time to do something different. Documenting as you go after a '''''successful search''''' means you describe on your research log the people and events you found in the source, and list the place where you have filed the photocopy. This turns your log into a table of contents of your sources. | ||
Research logs are also the best place to document your thinking and research strategies. Write lots of comments to yourself about your search strategies, suggestions, questions, and discrepancies you have noticed. | Research logs are also the best place to document your thinking and research strategies. Write lots of comments to yourself about your search strategies, suggestions, questions, and discrepancies you have noticed. | ||
== '''Family Group Records''' == | == '''Family Group Records''' == | ||