How to Apply the Genealogical Proof Standard

Proof of our findings is fundamental to good genealogy. Conclusions about an ancestor must have sufficient credibility to be accepted as proven. To help genealogists recognize and apply good research standards, The Board for Certification of Genealogists has encouraged the use of the Genealogical Proof Standard. Here are the five elements of the GPS.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Reasonably exhaustive search: Notice the word "reasonably." You do not have to locate and cite every single record available for your ancestor. What it means is that you have examined a wide range of high quality sources which relate to this specific genealogy question. When consistently applied, this element of GPS helps to minimize the possibility that undiscovered evidence will later overturn a hastily drawn conclusion.

2. 
    
   Research Log

   Complete and accurate citation of sources: It is very important to document all sources that you use. This will help both you and your fellow researchers to locate the same sources later. Record all potential sources that you have examined whether they add any new information or not. You won't cite the documents that you don't use but, you should keep track of them. It will help you avoid re-examining useless documents. A Research Log is a good tool for tracking sources examined.
   
   See "How to Use the Two Keys to Good Family History Research" at http://www.ehow.com/how_5213941_use-good-family-history-research.html for more about the importance of good citation.

3. Analysis and correlation of the collected information: The most difficult and time consuming element. To evaluate the quality of your evidence, it is important to determine what type of evidence it is - primary, secondary, original, derivative, etc.(see my article "How to Understand the Types of Genealogical Evidence" at http://www.ehow.com/how_5323339_understand-types-genealogical-evidence.html).
   
   It is not always easy to determine which sources have the most reliable data though. While original, primary sources may seem the most conclusive, the creator of that record may have erred, lied, or omitted critical information. On the other hand, a derivative work which corrects errors in the original may be more reliable than the original itself. Use sound judgment as you evaluate each piece of evidence.

4. Resolution of conflicting evidence: When different documents contradict each other - and they will - the problem is more difficult. You will need to apply some common sense in determining which is most likely to be accurate. A birth record is, usually, considered a reliable document but if every piece of information uncovered points to a different birth date, the accuracy of the primary document must be questioned.

5. Soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion: In short, strive to arrive at and document the conclusion that is best supported by all the available evidence. In the end, if you are unable to resolve all the conflicting sources, you should record and report both. Add your own explanation of what was done to resolve the conflict and present your best conclusion. Revisit the question at a later date. New information just might resolve the conflict.

Tips & Warnings

• The "Genealogical Proof Standard" is a change from the old term "Preponderance of the Evidence," formerly used to describe the high standard of proof BCG has always encouraged.

Resources

• The Genealogical Proof Standard at BCG
• Research Log
• How to Use the Two Keys to Good Family History Research

[georgiac]

on 8/30/2009 Great to know

[pamelaa75]

on 8/25/2009 Great information on how to apply the genealogical proof standard 5*s and rec

[perk]

on 8/22/2009 Great article. Keep them coming.
Perk