BCG Documentation & Record Management 2 ā Questions and Answers
Question 1: When citing a digitized image of an original document found on a genealogy website, which element distinguishes the citation from one for the original physical record?
- The name of the record creator
- The repository holding the original
- The digital access point (URL or database name) and access date (Correct answer)
- The volume and page number
Correct answer: The digital access point (URL or database name) and access date
A citation for a digitized image must include the digital access pointāsuch as the database name or URLāand the date accessed, in addition to the information describing the original record.
Question 2: In the Genealogical Proof Standard, what is the primary purpose of a 'reasonably exhaustive search'?
- To find every document ever created about a subject
- To reduce the probability that undiscovered evidence will overturn a conclusion (Correct answer)
- To satisfy a minimum number of source requirements
- To ensure all evidence is from original records
Correct answer: To reduce the probability that undiscovered evidence will overturn a conclusion
A reasonably exhaustive search is meant to reduceānot eliminateāthe chance that undiscovered evidence could contradict the conclusion reached.
Question 3: A researcher finds a death certificate listing a parent's birthplace that contradicts information in a will. How should both pieces of information be handled in the research file?
- Discard the less reliable source
- Record both with their citations and note the conflict for resolution (Correct answer)
- Accept the death certificate as the legal document
- Average the two accounts to form a composite birthplace
Correct answer: Record both with their citations and note the conflict for resolution
Both pieces of conflicting evidence should be retained with full citations, and the conflict should be documented so it can be resolved through additional research.
Question 4: What distinguishes a 'derivative source' from an 'original source' in genealogical terminology?
- A derivative source was created at the time of the event
- A derivative source is based on or transcribed from another record (Correct answer)
- A derivative source is always less accurate
- A derivative source has no legal standing
Correct answer: A derivative source is based on or transcribed from another record
A derivative source is one that has been transcribed, abstracted, translated, or otherwise derived from another record, as opposed to an original record created at or near the time of the event.
Question 5: When recording a land deed abstract in a research log, which element is most critical to include beyond the grantor, grantee, and date?
- The deed book volume and page number (Correct answer)
- The price of the land at current market value
- The names of all county residents at the time
- The researcher's opinion of the deed's authenticity
Correct answer: The deed book volume and page number
The deed book volume and page number are essential for re-locating the record and for others to verify the abstracted information.
Question 6: A genealogist discovers that an indexed database entry disagrees with the original image. Which represents the authoritative record?
- The index, because it was created by professionals
- The original image, because the index may contain transcription errors (Correct answer)
- Whichever record is more recent
- The database entry, because it is searchable
Correct answer: The original image, because the index may contain transcription errors
The original image is authoritative because indexes are derivative records that can contain transcription or interpretation errors.
Question 7: In a properly structured research report, what should immediately follow the statement of the research question?
- A conclusion
- A list of all possible repositories worldwide
- A summary of sources already searched and their findings (Correct answer)
- A biographical sketch of the subject
Correct answer: A summary of sources already searched and their findings
After stating the research question, a report should summarize previously searched sources and their findings to show the researcher's awareness of existing evidence before presenting new findings.
BCG Documentation & Record Management 2
When citing a digitized image of an original document found on a genealogy website, which element distinguishes the citation from one for the original physical record?