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== '''Consistency and Clarity of the Facts''' == | == '''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. | As you evaluate the information in the records you found, you must determine how well the facts were recorded. Learn, by comparing the information with other information you have, if the facts are consistent with other facts. Also evaluate if they were clearly recorded. Leaving no ambiguity of meaning and if they suggest other sources to search. | ||
'''Consistent Facts''' | '''Consistent Facts.''' Are any facts inconsistent with other facts? For example, is the birth date of a child one year after the death date of the child's mother? When facts conflict, you must determine which facts if either, are accurate, so that information fits into a consistent pattern. | ||
'''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? For example, is a person's birth date on the death certificate different from the birth date on the marriage license? When information conflicts, consider which information, if any, is primary. It may be necessary to seek more evidence. | |||
Does the record suggest other records you may search? For example, does an obituary refer to an undertaker, a cemetery, or church which may have records? Does a record indicate how many children a mother gave birth to, and does that match the information you already had? If not, you may want to search other records for additional children. | |||
Look specifically at the names, dates, places and relationships given in the record. Ask some of the following questions: | |||
'''''Names''''' | '''''Names. '''''Are they clearly recorded? | ||
Are | '''''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? <!--{12093459797961} --> | |||
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Does the document state relationships directly, or only suggest them? | |||
== '''Likelihood of Events''' == | == '''Likelihood of Events''' == | ||