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The records you have found provide evidence relative to your objective. ''Evidence'' is information or facts about an event or a situation. The researcher must evaluate if the evidence is valid for meeting the research objective and therefore producing some level of proof. You will want to consider all relevant evidence, but remember that all evidence is not equal. | The records you have found provide evidence relative to your objective. ''Evidence'' is information or facts about an event or a situation. The researcher must evaluate if the evidence is valid for meeting the research objective and therefore producing some level of proof. You will want to consider all relevant evidence, but remember that all evidence is not equal. | ||
The process of genealogical research seeks ''information'' (facts about events) to answer ''questions'' (research objectives) about people. The records we search are the source of the information we seek; therefore you must evaluate both the information you found ''and'' the record(s) you found it in. When considering the ''record'', evaluate its—<br> | The process of genealogical research seeks ''information'' (facts about events) to answer ''questions'' (research objectives) about people. The records we search are the source of the information we seek; therefore you must evaluate both the information you found ''and'' the record(s) you found it in. When considering the ''record'', evaluate its—<br> | ||
*''relevance''<br> | *''relevance''<br> | ||
*''category''<br> | *''category''<br> | ||
*''format'' | *''format'' | ||
When considering the ''information'', compare it with what you have found in other sources and evaluate the—<br> | When considering the ''information'', compare it with what you have found in other sources and evaluate the—<br> | ||
*''origin'' of the information | *''origin'' of the information | ||
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== '''Relevance of the Record''' == | == '''Relevance of the Record''' == | ||
The first evaluation to make is whether the record pertains to the person or family being searched. For example, the christening record of a person with the right name about the right time may not be the person you are seeking. Be especially careful when dealing with common names in densely populated areas. Review other records of the locality to determine how common the name may have been in that place. <!--{12093130647030} --> | The first evaluation to make is whether the record pertains to the person or family being searched. For example, the christening record of a person with the right name about the right time may not be the person you are seeking. Be especially careful when dealing with common names in densely populated areas. Review other records of the locality to determine how common the name may have been in that place. <!--{12093130647030} --> | ||
== '''Category of the Record''' == | == '''Category of the Record''' == | ||
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*'''''Original records''''' tend to be more accurate than compiled records. They were written close in time to the events they record. However, on occasion the recorder may have made a mistake. Infrequently an original record is deliberately falsified, such as "back dating" a marriage to account for the early birth of the first child. Even a source recorded close to the time of the event may have errors. | *'''''Original records''''' tend to be more accurate than compiled records. They were written close in time to the events they record. However, on occasion the recorder may have made a mistake. Infrequently an original record is deliberately falsified, such as "back dating" a marriage to account for the early birth of the first child. Even a source recorded close to the time of the event may have errors. | ||
*'''''Compiled records''''' tend to be easier to use and contain more information. However, they represent a gathering and interpretation of information from one or more other sources. The author may not have had enough information to adequately interpret the other sources. On the other hand, the compiler may have known of errors in the other sources and corrected or explained them in the compilation.<br> | *'''''Compiled records''''' tend to be easier to use and contain more information. However, they represent a gathering and interpretation of information from one or more other sources. The author may not have had enough information to adequately interpret the other sources. On the other hand, the compiler may have known of errors in the other sources and corrected or explained them in the compilation.<br> | ||
*'''''Finding aids''''' sometimes contain mistakes which can mislead the researcher, such as wrong page numbers in an index. | *'''''Finding aids''''' sometimes contain mistakes which can mislead the researcher, such as wrong page numbers in an index. | ||
*'''''Background information''''' is sometimes misinterpreted or applied incorrectly to individual cases. For example, just because most immigrants joined friends or relatives in their new country does not mean your ancestor had relatives when he arrived in his new country. <!--{12093430554684} --><!--{12093430554685} --><br> | *'''''Background information''''' is sometimes misinterpreted or applied incorrectly to individual cases. For example, just because most immigrants joined friends or relatives in their new country does not mean your ancestor had relatives when he arrived in his new country. <!--{12093430554684} --><!--{12093430554685} --><br> | ||
{| | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="width: 494px; height: 41px;" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" | | ||
'''Even a source recorded close to the time of the event may have errors.'''<br> | '''Even a source recorded close to the time of the event may have errors.'''<br> | ||
|} | |} | ||
<!--{12093430554686} --><!--{12093430554687} --><!--{12093430554688} --> | <!--{12093430554686} --><!--{12093430554687} --><!--{12093430554688} --> | ||
== '''Format of the Record''' == | == '''Format of the Record''' == | ||
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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. Any errors would be the fault of the person who made 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. Any errors would be the fault of the person who made the record. | ||
Copy error may be introduced in the document was transcribed, extracted, or abstracted. If such copies are printed or published, the researcher must also consider possible typographical errors. Generally the further removed the copy is from the actual document, the more errors are likely to have accumulated. See "[[Obtain and Search the Records#Formats of Records|Formats of Records]]."<br><!--{12093146428750} --><!--{12093146428751} --> | Copy error may be introduced in the document was transcribed, extracted, or abstracted. If such copies are printed or published, the researcher must also consider possible typographical errors. Generally the further removed the copy is from the actual document, the more errors are likely to have accumulated. See "[[Obtain and Search the Records#Formats of Records|Formats of Records]]."<br><!--{12093146428750} --><!--{12093146428751} --> | ||
== '''Nature of the Information''' == | == '''Nature of the Information''' == | ||
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A key to interpreting information is determining how close in time it was recorded to the event it describes. ''Information'' is the statement(s) of fact(s) in a record, not the record itself. It is either primary or secondary. | A key to interpreting information is determining how close in time it was recorded to the event it describes. ''Information'' is the statement(s) of fact(s) in a record, not the record itself. It is either primary or secondary. | ||
'''''Primary Information''''' was recorded at or near the time of the event by someone closely associated with it. It is usually found in original records. However, ''not'' all information in an original record is "primary." For example, a death record usually contains primary information about the death, but secondary information about the person's birth. If the information does not come from a primary account of the event, consider it suspect. If you cannot determine where the information originated from, it is undocumented, and therefore less reliable information.<br> | '''''Primary Information''''' was recorded at or near the time of the event by someone closely associated with it. It is usually found in original records. However, ''not'' all information in an original record is "primary." For example, a death record usually contains primary information about the death, but secondary information about the person's birth. If the information does not come from a primary account of the event, consider it suspect. If you cannot determine where the information originated from, it is undocumented, and therefore less reliable information.<br> | ||
{| | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" style="width: 221px; height: 34px;" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | bgcolor="#ffff99" align="center" | '''Prefer primary information.''' <br> | ||
|} | |} | ||
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'''''Places.''''' Are the places named and clearly identified? Do place names match those given in other information about the family? Places of origin or foreign names may not have been recorded accurately. Names of cities may also be the names of states or counties, such as Hannover or York. Can you determine the jurisdictions for the places given? | '''''Places.''''' Are the places named and clearly identified? Do place names match those given in other information about the family? Places of origin or foreign names may not have been recorded accurately. Names of cities may also be the names of states or counties, such as Hannover or York. Can you determine the jurisdictions for the places given? | ||
'''''Relationships.''''' Does the document state relationships directly, or only suggest them? For example, some census records give the relationship of persons to the head of the household, while others only list all persons living in the home. Relationships may be inferred, but this leaves room for false assumptions. Relationship terms in past years often had different meanings from today, for example, in the 1800s, the father-in-law also meant step-father. <!--{12093484598126} --> | '''''Relationships.''''' Does the document state relationships directly, or only suggest them? For example, some census records give the relationship of persons to the head of the household, while others only list all persons living in the home. Relationships may be inferred, but this leaves room for false assumptions. Relationship terms in past years often had different meanings from today, for example, in the 1800s, the father-in-law also meant step-father. <!--{12093484598126} --> | ||
== '''Likelihood of Events''' == | == '''Likelihood of Events''' == | ||
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=== '''''Genealogical Proof Standard''''' === | === '''''Genealogical Proof Standard''''' === | ||
The [[Genealogical Proof Standard|Genealogical Proof Standard]] is another way of improving the likelihood that genealogical conclusions reflect reality. <!--{12093128901715} --><!--{12093128901716} --><!--{12093128901717} --><!--{12093128901718} --><!--{12093128901719} --><!--{120931289017110} --> | The [[Genealogical Proof Standard|Genealogical Proof Standard]] is another way of improving the likelihood that genealogical conclusions reflect reality. <!--{12093128901715} --><!--{12093128901716} --><!--{12093128901717} --><!--{12093128901718} --><!--{12093128901719} --><!--{120931289017110} --> | ||
= '''Transfer the Information''' = | = '''Transfer the Information''' = | ||
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*Enable other family researchers to check you sources for additional information.<br> | *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> | ||
|} | |} | ||
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“FHL film 906828 item 3” | “FHL film 906828 item 3” | ||
“FHL book 974.9 H2ne”<br> | “FHL book 974.9 H2ne”<br> | ||
As you document your findings— | As you document your findings— | ||
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File your newly acquired records and extracts (see [[Identify What You Know#Record Useful Information|Record Useful Information]]). | File your newly acquired records and extracts (see [[Identify What You Know#Record Useful Information|Record Useful Information]]). | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
=== '''Using a Computer for Genealogy''' === | === '''Using a Computer for Genealogy''' === | ||
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" | {| width="720" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center" | ||
|+ '''Using a Computer for Genealogy''' | |+ '''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— | 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> | *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> | *Reports and charts<br> | ||
*Blank forms (for example, research logs)<br> | *Blank forms (for example, research logs)<br> | ||
*Autobiographies and family histories<br> | *Autobiographies and family histories<br> | ||
*Indexes<br> | *Indexes<br> | ||
*Transcriptions of records such as censuses | *Transcriptions of records such as censuses | ||
When selecting computer programs to help with genealogical note keeping, consider these factors: | 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 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 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 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> | *Does the publisher have a good record of answering user questions and helping to solve problems?<br> | ||
*Is it easy to use?<br> | *Is it easy to use?<br> | ||
*Is the price reasonable?<br> | *Is the price reasonable?<br> | ||
*Does the program offer all the features and capabilities you want? | *Does the program offer all the features and capabilities you want? | ||
Two helpful reviews of dozens of genealogy programs are on the Internet at: | 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> | *“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> | *“Genealogy Software Reviews, Ratings, and Comparisons” About.com:Genealogy at http://genealogy.about.com/od/software_reviews/ [cited 5 April 2008]<br> | ||
|} | |} | ||
<!--{12084986101711} --><!--{12084986101712} --><!--{12084986101713} --> | <!--{12084986101711} --><!--{12084986101712} --><!--{12084986101713} --> | ||
= '''Share the Information''' = | = '''Share the Information''' = | ||
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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. | 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> | [[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. | ||
|} | |} | ||
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== '''New FamilySearch''' == | == '''New FamilySearch''' == | ||
Another important way to share your findings is to help improve the information displayed in New FamilySearch. This Internet database is a combination of the International Genealogical Index, Ancestral File, Pedigree Resource File, and several other large genealogical databases. There are several ways to help—<br> | Another important way to share your findings is to help improve the information displayed in New FamilySearch. This Internet database is a combination of the International Genealogical Index, Ancestral File, Pedigree Resource File, and several other large genealogical databases. There are several ways to help—<br> | ||
*'''''Clean up''''' the files already on display. This includes merging varying data entries for the same person, and getting the best data out front. At the moment, the LDS temple ordinance data is especially in need of careful merging and tender loving care.<br> | *'''''Clean up''''' the files already on display. This includes merging varying data entries for the same person, and getting the best data out front. At the moment, the LDS temple ordinance data is especially in need of careful merging and tender loving care.<br> | ||
*'''''Add source documentation.''''' Now is not the best time, but eventually there will be a better way to add source footnotes to the data. | *'''''Add source documentation.''''' Now is not the best time, but eventually there will be a better way to add source footnotes to the data. | ||
*'''''Contribute new information.''''' Again, now is not the best time, but the day will come when new data will be easier to submit. | *'''''Contribute new information.''''' Again, now is not the best time, but the day will come when new data will be easier to submit. | ||
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== '''Put Up a Genealogy Web Page''' == | == '''Put Up a Genealogy Web Page''' == | ||
Sharing your genealogy on an Internet website is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to publish your findings. Genealogical record keeping software like ''Personal Ancestral File'' can help you generate the material for your genealogy Internet site. Then all you have to do is find a web server host. For suggestions on these and other details see [[Create a genealogy web page|Create a Genealogy Web Page]]. <!--{12084989882342} --> | Sharing your genealogy on an Internet website is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to publish your findings. Genealogical record keeping software like ''Personal Ancestral File'' can help you generate the material for your genealogy Internet site. Then all you have to do is find a web server host. For suggestions on these and other details see [[Create a genealogy web page|Create a Genealogy Web Page]]. <!--{12084989882342} --> | ||
== '''Write a Family History''' == | == '''Write a Family History''' == | ||
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== '''Donate Your Files''' == | == '''Donate Your Files''' == | ||
On occasion it may not be possible to publish your findings. <!--{12084986101717} --><!--{12084986101718} --><!--{12084986101719} --><!--{120849861017110} --><!--{120849861017111} --><!--{120849861017112} --><!--{120849861017113} --><!--{120849861017114} --><!--{120849861017115} --><!--{120849861017116} --> | On occasion it may not be possible to publish your findings. <!--{12084986101717} --><!--{12084986101718} --><!--{12084986101719} --><!--{120849861017110} --><!--{120849861017111} --><!--{120849861017112} --><!--{120849861017113} --><!--{120849861017114} --><!--{120849861017115} --><!--{120849861017116} --> | ||
= = | = '''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 desceased family members so you can provide temple ordinances for them. Your ward family history consultant or a staff member at a family history center can assist you. | |||
A computer program called TempleReady<sup>TM</sup> is available at many meetinghouses and family history centers. It greatly simplifies the process of submitting names to the temple. You can enter names into the computer and then take the records on diskette with you to the temple. | |||
When the temple ordinances are completed for your ancestor, that information will be added to the ''International Genealogical Index'' (but not to ''Ancestral File'' or ''Pedigree Resource File''). This central file of completed temple ordinances helps limit duplication of research and ordinances and allows researchers to know what work has already been done. It is an excellent way to share the results of your research. | |||
For instructions on how to submit names for temple work, see ''A Member's Guide to Temple and Family History Work'' (94697), available from your ward family history consultant or family history center. | |||
= '''Restart the Research Cycle''' = | = '''Restart the Research Cycle''' = | ||
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<br>'''For Further Reading''' | <br>'''For Further Reading''' | ||
'''Appendixes''' <!--{120849923984329} --> | '''Appendixes''' <!--{120849923984329} --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> | ||
<!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> | <!-- Tidy found serious XHTML errors --> | ||
[[Category:Beginners]] | [[Category:Beginners]] | ||