Genealogical Proof Standard & Proof Arguments Flashcards

How many elements comprise the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) as defined by the Board for Certification of Genealogists?

Answer: Five

The GPS consists of five elements: reasonably exhaustive search, complete and accurate source citations, analysis and correlation of evidence, resolution of conflicting evidence, and a soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion.

Which GPS element requires that all relevant sources be examined before reaching a genealogical conclusion?

Answer: Reasonably exhaustive search

The 'reasonably exhaustive search' element requires consulting all sources that might contain relevant information before drawing a conclusion.

In the GPS framework, what type of written product is appropriate when evidence is straightforward, non-conflicting, and the conclusion can be stated briefly?

Answer: Proof summary

A proof summary is a concise narrative appropriate when a conclusion rests on directly stated evidence with no conflicting information requiring resolution.

When genealogical evidence is conflicting or the conclusion rests entirely on indirect or negative evidence, what written product is required to meet GPS standards?

Answer: Proof argument

A proof argument is a well-reasoned, fully documented essay required when evidence conflicts or when the conclusion depends solely on indirect or negative evidence.

What term describes the GPS element that involves examining multiple pieces of evidence together to assess their combined meaning?

Answer: Correlation

Correlation is the process of analyzing and comparing multiple pieces of evidence to understand how they relate and what they collectively indicate.

According to BCG standards, a genealogical conclusion is considered proven when it meets all GPS elements and is supported by what type of evidence standard?

Answer: Preponderance of the evidence

Genealogical proof requires a preponderance of the evidence — the conclusion is more likely true than not — rather than the higher legal standards used in criminal cases.

Which of the following best describes 'negative evidence' in genealogical research?

Answer: The absence of an expected record or entry that itself is informative

Negative evidence is the meaningful absence of an expected record — for example, the absence of a marriage record in a thoroughly searched jurisdiction can suggest the couple married elsewhere.