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Principles of Genealogical Research

Family History, An Overview

Principles of Genealogical Resesarch

Being accurate in your research and diligently supporting your findings by consistently referring back to your sources not only enhances the credibility of your work but also ensures that others can reliably trust and reference your conclusions. This thorough approach cultivates a foundation of dependability that is essential in family history research.

The Society of Genealogists (UK) has put forward a set of research principles and proof in this statement:

The Society has established the following principles to be essential in the conduct of acceptable genealogical research:

Principles of Genealogical Research

  • Accuracy and honesty of all personal research and of work published, promoted or distributed to others.
  • Provision of clear evidence from primary sources to support all conclusions and statements of fact.
  • Use of original sources and records (or surrogate images of originals) to gather key information.
  • Citation and recording of sources used so that others may also evaluate the evidence.
  • Logical and reasoned development of family links with each step proved from valid evidence before further deductions are made.
  • Investigation and analysis of all possible solutions and of contradictory evidence with each alternative hypothesis examined and tested.
  • Qualification of less certain conclusions as probable or possible so that others are not misled.
  • Acceptance of the possibility that a solution may not be found and acknowledgement of circumstances in which this occurs.
  • Awareness of gaps in the availability of and information from sources at all levels.
  • Receptiveness to new information and to informed comment which may challenge earlier conclusions.
  • Acknowledgment and attribution of research done by others and use of such work as a secondary source only.
  • Evidence only becomes proof through a reasoned and logical analysis and argument capable of convincing others that the conclusion is valid.

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