BCG Communication & Stakeholder Engagement 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a client disputes a genealogical conclusion you presented, what is the most professional first response?
- Defend your conclusion firmly and cite all sources immediately
- Acknowledge their concern, invite them to share their evidence, and review the matter objectively (Correct answer)
- Apologize and revise the conclusion to match their belief
- Refer them to another genealogist
Correct answer: Acknowledge their concern, invite them to share their evidence, and review the matter objectively
BCG standards require genealogists to remain open to new evidence and engage disputes respectfully and objectively.
Question 2: Which writing style is most appropriate for a formal genealogical report delivered to a client?
- Casual and conversational to build rapport
- Technical jargon-heavy language demonstrating expertise
- Clear, precise prose with documented sources and logical analysis (Correct answer)
- Bullet-point summaries without narrative context
Correct answer: Clear, precise prose with documented sources and logical analysis
BCG's Genealogical Standards require reports to be clearly written, well-organized, and fully documented.
Question 3: A repository archivist provides incorrect information about a record's availability. How should a BCG-credentialed genealogist handle this?
- Accept the information and note the repository as unreliable
- Politely ask clarifying questions and, if needed, seek a second contact at the institution (Correct answer)
- File a formal complaint immediately
- Ignore the archivist and search independently without permission
Correct answer: Politely ask clarifying questions and, if needed, seek a second contact at the institution
Professional genealogists maintain courteous relationships with repository staff and seek clarification diplomatically.
Question 4: When presenting negative search results to a client, what should a genealogist emphasize?
- That the research has failed and a refund may be appropriate
- Which specific sources were searched, why they were selected, and what the absence of evidence implies (Correct answer)
- Only a brief note that nothing was found
- Suggestions to hire a different specialist
Correct answer: Which specific sources were searched, why they were selected, and what the absence of evidence implies
Thorough reporting of negative results — including sources searched and their scope — is a BCG professional requirement.
Question 5: A genealogist is asked by a client to share another client's family information because the families may be related. The appropriate action is to:
- Share general information since it could benefit both clients
- Decline and explain that all client information is kept confidential (Correct answer)
- Ask the first client by email if they consent
- Refer both clients to a public database instead
Correct answer: Decline and explain that all client information is kept confidential
Genealogists have a strict duty of confidentiality; sharing one client's information with another without explicit consent violates professional ethics.
Question 6: Which element is essential when setting expectations with a new genealogy client before beginning a research project?
- A guarantee of specific results within a defined timeframe
- A written research agreement outlining scope, fees, deliverables, and limitations (Correct answer)
- An oral summary of your credentials
- A sample of a previous client's report
Correct answer: A written research agreement outlining scope, fees, deliverables, and limitations
Written research agreements protect both parties and establish clear, realistic expectations before work begins.
Question 7: A genealogist discovers that a DNA testing company's privacy policy allows sharing data with third parties. What is the most responsible communication to a client who has not yet tested?
- Recommend the test without mentioning privacy concerns to avoid discouraging participation
- Inform the client of the privacy policy implications so they can make an informed decision (Correct answer)
- Tell the client all DNA companies share data, so it doesn't matter which they choose
- Discourage all DNA testing on privacy grounds
Correct answer: Inform the client of the privacy policy implications so they can make an informed decision
Genealogists must inform clients of material risks, including privacy implications of DNA testing, to enable informed consent.
BCG Communication & Stakeholder Engagement 2
When a client disputes a genealogical conclusion you presented, what is the most professional first response?