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Contradictions and discrepancies (view source)
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{{stub}}<br> | {{stub}}<br> Contradictory evidence and discrepancies are normal in genealogical research. A novice researcher tends to ignore discrepancies. An experienced researcher tends to embrace them. | ||
Contradictory evidence and discrepancies are normal in genealogical research | |||
Names are spelled in unexpected ways, the birth date in the parish register may differ by seven months from the birth date on the tombstone, the censuses may list a birthplace in two different states, there may be too many or two few children listed, a child may have been born before the parents were married, or an event may be listed in a place that did not exist at the time. These are just a few of the typical contradictions and discrepancies a genealogist faces. | Names are spelled in unexpected ways, the birth date in the parish register may differ by seven months from the birth date on the tombstone, the censuses may list a birthplace in two different states, there may be too many or two few children listed, a child may have been born before the parents were married, or an event may be listed in a place that did not exist at the time. These are just a few of the typical contradictions and discrepancies a genealogist faces. | ||
'''Any contradictory evidence must be resolved.'''<ref>''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/43567656&amp;amp;amp;referer=brief_results The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual]'' (Orem, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, 2000), 1-2, and Thomas W. Jones, "Proved?: Five Ways to Prove Who Your Ancestor Was" (printed handout for a lecture presented to library staff, 23 October 2003, Family History Library, Salt Lake City), 1.</ref> The solution is to openly acknowledge, analyze, and attempt to explain discrepancies. | '''Any contradictory evidence must be resolved.'''<ref>''[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/43567656&amp;amp;amp;amp;referer=brief_results The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual]'' (Orem, Utah: Ancestry Publishing, 2000), 1-2, and Thomas W. Jones, "Proved?: Five Ways to Prove Who Your Ancestor Was" (printed handout for a lecture presented to library staff, 23 October 2003, Family History Library, Salt Lake City), 1.</ref> The solution is to openly acknowledge, analyze, and attempt to explain discrepancies. | ||
Spellings. | Spellings. | ||