Genealogical Proof Standard
The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) is a methodology for arriving at conclusions in which we can have confidence. In the discussion below, I've labelled each of the five pieces by letter. Sometimes they are also numbered, but it is important to realize that they are bullets rather than an ordered list. All elements must be present to afford reliability in conclusions. Often we must interleave them or perform them in tandem as we assess and reinvestigate.
Board for Certification of Genealogists, "The Genealogical Proof Standard," Board for Certification of Genealogists; http://www.bcgcertification.org/resources/standard.html : accessed 19 May 2012.
Christine Rose, audio podcast, "Genealogical Proof Standard," FamilySearch, 14 October 2011; audio: https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/lesson/genealogical-proof-standard/350 , you can print the handout: https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/content/7/8/8/5/Genealogical%20Proof%20Standard%20-%20Handout.pdf .
Michael Hait, “The Genealogical Proof Standard -- it's not just for professionals,” Planting the Seeds: Genealogy as a Profession blog, posted 2 Feb 2012 (http://michaelhait.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/why-is-source-citation-part-of-the-genealogical-proof-standard/ : accessed 21 May 2012).
Board for Certification of Genealogists, "The Genealogical Proof Standard," Board for Certification of Genealogists; http://www.bcgcertification.org/resources/standard.html : accessed 19 May 2012.
Christine Rose, audio podcast, "Genealogical Proof Standard," FamilySearch, 14 October 2011; audio: https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/lesson/genealogical-proof-standard/350 , you can print the handout: https://familysearch.org/learningcenter/content/7/8/8/5/Genealogical%20Proof%20Standard%20-%20Handout.pdf .
Michael Hait, “The Genealogical Proof Standard -- it's not just for professionals,” Planting the Seeds: Genealogy as a Profession blog, posted 2 Feb 2012 (http://michaelhait.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/why-is-source-citation-part-of-the-genealogical-proof-standard/ : accessed 21 May 2012).
Element A: Reasonably Exhaustive Search
I've heard a few people lately call this a Reasonably Extensive Search. That sounds much better than exhaustion.
- Michael Hait, "How to conduct a 'reasonably exhaustive search' for relevant records," Planting the Seeds, posted 21 November 2011; http://michaelhait.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/reasonably-exhaustive-search/ : accessed 24 May 2012.
- Example of how important it is to search out all the pertinent documents: Elizabeth Shown Mills, “QuickLesson 7: Family Lore and Indian Princesses,” Evidence Explained: Historical Analysis, Citation & Source Usage (http://www.evidenceexplained.com/content/quicklesson-7-Family-Lore-and-Indian-Princesses : accessed 24 May 2012).
Element B: Complete and Accurate Source Citations
- Elizabeth Shown Mills, Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyperspace (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2007). See also the companion website which providesmodels and interactive forums: https://www.evidenceexplained.com/ : accessed 19 May 2012.
- Michael Hait, “Why is the source citation part of the Genealogical Proof Standard?” Planting the Seeds: Genealogy as a Profession blog, posted 23 Nov 2011; http://michaelhait.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/why-is-source-citation-part-of-the-genealogical-proof-standard/ : accessed 19 May 2012.
- Michael Hait, “How do I cite a genealogy research conclusion?” Planting the Seeds: Genealogy as a Profession blog, posted 21 March 2012 (http://michaelhait.wordpress.com : accessed 19 May 2012).
Element C: Correlation of Evidence
Whatever you do, do NOT neglect to read: Elizabeth Shown Mills, Chapter 1, "Fundamentals of Evidence Analysis," Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyperspace (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2007), 15-38.
- Linda Woodward Geiger, "Guidelines for Evaluating Genealogical Resources," OnBoard 14 (May 2008): 14-15; http://bcgcertification.org/skillbuilders/skbld085.html : accessed 24 May 2012.
- Donn Devine, "Evidence Analysis," Chapter 17 in Elizabeth Shown Mills. ed., Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers and Librarians (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2001), 329-342.
- Donn Devine, "Turning Information into Evidence and Proof: It Takes a Human Mind," NGS Newsmagazine July/August/September 2005: 50-53.
Element D: Resolution of Conflicts
- Barbara Jean Mathews, "Conflicting Evidence: What Is It?" The Demanding Genealogist, posted 29 September 2011; http://demandinggenealogist.blogspot.com/2011/09/conflicting-evidence-what-is-it.html : accessed 24 May 2012.
- DearMYRTLE (Pat Richley-Erickson), host, "Digging Deeper: Dealing with Conflicting Genealogy Evidence," Geneabloggers Blog Talk Radio, airdate 30 September 2011; playable online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/geneabloggers/2011/10/01/digging-deeper-dealing-with-conflicting-genealogy-evidence or downloadable for free from the iTunes store at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/geneabloggers-blog-talk-radio/id427872677 . (DIsclosure: I was the first of three guests.)
- "Contradictions and Discrepancies," wiki entry, FamilySearch, version last edited 29 October 2009 at 21:21; https://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Contradictions_and_discrepancies : viewed 24 May 2012.
Element E: Soundly Reasoned Conclusion
- Michael Hait, “What is a conclusion?” Planting the Seeds: Genealogy as a Profession blog, posted 20 February 2012 (http://michaelhait.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/what-is-a-conclusion/ : accessed 19 May 2012).