Student Loan Story: Sandy Barnett

"Mastering Genealogical Proof" Chapter 1

Chapter 1

1.   What is genealogy?

Genealogy is a multidisciplinary research field whose focus in accurately reconstructing forgotten or unknown identities and relationships inclusive of all types; in genetic, historical, social, political and economical context.

2.   What are the GPS's five elements?

The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) 5 elements are:

1. Thorough, that is reasonably exhaustive, searches in high quality sources that might help answer a research question which will minimize the probability that undiscovered evidence will overturn a too-hasty conclusion..
2. Informative, that is complete and accurate, citations to the quality sources of every information item contributing to the research question' answer and the extent of the search.  
3. Analysis and comparison, that is correlation, of the relevant sources and information to assess their usefulness as evidence of the research question's answer
4. Resolution of any conflicts between evidence and the proposed answer to a research question and establishes its credibility.
5. A written statement, list, or narrative supporting the answer which eliminates the possibility that the conclusion is based on bias, preconception or inadequate appreciation of the evidence and how the evidence led to the conclusion.

Source citations (#2) reflect research scope (#1) and analysis (#3) and the written explanation (#5) taken from all including #4; all are interdependent

3.  You have shared your family history with someone who wants you to omit all the proof statements, proof summaries, and proof arguments, including explanations of reasoning and documentation.  How do you reply?

That I will be happy to place them as End Notes.


4.  Why can't a genealogical conclusion be partially proved?  If any of the 5 parts of the GPS is missing then it is not able to be concluded.



5.  What is the first step in genealogical research?

Genealogical research points to 5 steps the first of which is to Questions about the relationships or hhat is it we want to learn.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Whew not been on in a while. I just completed GEP I and GEP II of the DAR Educational series. It was a great course and I recommend it to all daughters. Also been working on helping a prospective DAR member with her ancestor research. Oh and working on cleaning up my tree. And lastly been accepted into "Mastering Genealogical Proof" by Thomas W. Jones, CG, study group. I will post my homework here on my blog. Enough for the moment will write more tomorrow