“A to Z Genealogy Tips – Fortnightly Series”

Not all records are created equal. Evaluating each document carefully ensures your research is accurate.

Look at the source, author, date, and purpose of every record. Determine whether it is primary or secondary, original or derivative. Assess a source’s reliability by checking for direct evidence, source quality, context and consistency with other records.   Critical analysis prevents errors from being copied into your family tree and strengthens the credibility of your findings.

Using the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) principles to resolve contradictions and build strong conclusions builds strong family trees. The GPS states, to reach a strong conclusion, we need to meet all five components of the GPS:

• Reasonably exhaustive research,
• Complete and accurate citations,
• Thorough analysis and correlation,
• Resolution of conflicting evidence,
• Soundly written conclusion based on the strongest evidence.

Take a second look at one of your documents today—are you confident it’s accurate?  Can the information on that document be verified by more than once source?