Conclusions and Baby Steps: Difference between revisions

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The genealogies we create are sometimes called conclusion trees. Each name, date, place, and relationship in the tree is a conclusion. A new genealogist typically accepts conclusions without thought and without evidence. For a proficient genealogist, a conclusion is “a decision…based on well-reasoned and thoroughly documented evidence gleaned from sound research.”<ref>Mills, ''Evidence Explained'', 820.</ref>  

A group of stellar genealogists have defined a method by which solid conclusions can be made. It is called the ''Genealogical Proof Standard'' (GPS).  

*a soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion.”<ref>“The Genealogical Proof Standard,” (http://www.bcgcertification.org/resources/standard.html).</ref>

To reach a solid conclusion you must perform a reasonably exhaustive search. The GPS does not call for ''exhaustion'', it calls for ''reasonableness''. “A completely exhaustive search is not necessary to achieve genealogical proof.”<ref>Thomas W. Jones, “The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS): What It is and What It is Not,” presentation handout, ''National Genealogical Society 2011 Family History Conference Syllabus'', PDF image (Charleston, South Carolina: NGS, 2011), 355-8 (PDF pp. 377-80).</ref> The idea behind a reasonable search is to decrease the probability that someone will summarily dismiss your conclusion using a source you should have checked.  

A proficient genealogist uses a wide variety of record types found online, on microfilm, and on location. Keep in mind that not all sources are independent. One may be copied from another. Try to find at least two independent sources for each conclusion.  

To produce verifiably accurate conclusions, you must have complete and accurate citations of sources. Citations serve two purposes:  

Complete citations showcase the breadth of your search and the strength of your sources.  

To reach a solid conclusion you must analyze and correlate the sources, information, and evidence. You must correctly correlate references to one individual in multiple records. If all the evidence is direct and in agreement, no further work is necessary.  

Analyze each source, piece of information, and every bit of evidence.<ref>Jones, “The Genealogical Proof Standard,” 357.</ref> Think about the sources. Are they original or derivative? Compare and contrast them. Think about the evidence. Is it direct or indirect? Is it in agreement, or conflicting? Compare and contrast.  

To reach a solid conclusion you must resolve conflicting evidence. “If conflicting evidence is not resolved, a credible conclusion is not possible.”<ref>“The Genealogical Proof Standard,” (http://www.bcgcertification.org/resources/standard.html).</ref>  

Compare the strengths of the evidence supporting each alternative. Decide between the alternatives based strength and quality, not on quantity. “Assigning weight [strength] is subjective. There is no magic formula. It is a skill that is developed over time, with experience, and based upon knowledge of all aspects of the elements of evidence.”<ref>Rose, ''Genealogical Proof Standard'', 15.</ref> Can you explain how each piece of dissenting evidence came to be? Is each independent, or are some derived from others?  

To reach a solid conclusion, it must be soundly reasoned and coherently recorded. The more elaborate the analysis, the more that needs to be recorded. In a simple case of multiple sources of direct evidence, none of it contrary, only the conclusion and the citations need to be recorded. A genealogy can’t be verifiably correct unless you document your reasoning.  

No conclusion is ever final. Additional research may one day reveal evidence that changes the conclusion.  

From sources we find information. From information we select evidence. From evidence we make conclusions. Conclusions reference citations. Citations point back to sources.  

Using the table at the start of this handout, and using what you learned in class today, set a small, baby step improvement goal. See [[Genealogical Maturity]] for more information.  

Advancing from level to level requires continuing education. Avail yourself of these resources:  

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[[Category:Baby Steps]]  [[Category:Genealogical Proof Standard]][[Category:Evaluating evidence]]