Research Standards

Genealogy research requires analyzing documents and drawing conclusions based on the evidence provided in the available documents. Research standards help with determining whether or not the evaluation of the evidence is accurate.

Standards for genealogical research include:

·         Clearly document and organize findings.

·         Cite all sources in a specific manner so that others can locate them and properly evaluate them.

·         Locate all available sources that may contain information relevant to the research question.

·         Analyze findings thoroughly, without ignoring conflicts in records or negative evidence.

·         Rely on original, rather than derivative sources, wherever possible.

·         Use logical reasoning based on reliable sources to reach conclusions.

·         Acknowledge when a specific conclusion is only "possible" or "probable" rather than "proven."

·         Acknowledge that other records that have not yet been discovered may overturn a conclusion.