BCG Quality Assurance & Compliance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under BCG's Genealogical Proof Standard, which element requires the researcher to resolve conflicting evidence before stating a conclusion?
- Reasonably exhaustive search
- Complete and accurate citations
- Analysis of each source
- Soundly reasoned conclusion (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Soundly reasoned conclusion
The GPS requires a 'soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion' that addresses and resolves all conflicting evidence.
Question 2: A genealogist uses a county deed index to locate a grantor entry but does not examine the original deed. In GPS terms, this source is best classified as:
- An original source with primary information
- A derivative source (Correct answer)
- An authored narrative
- A DNA evidence record
Correct answer: A derivative source
A compiled index is a derivative source because it was created from an original record and may contain transcription errors.
Question 3: Which BCG standard most directly addresses the obligation to seek out record types beyond the most obvious ones for a research problem?
- Accurate citations
- Reasonably exhaustive search (Correct answer)
- Conflict resolution
- Correlation of evidence
Correct answer: Reasonably exhaustive search
The 'reasonably exhaustive search' element requires consulting a wide range of relevant sources, not just the most accessible ones.
Question 4: When a BCG applicant submits a portfolio, the Kinship Determination Project must demonstrate competency in which specific area?
- DNA evidence analysis only
- Reasonably exhaustive research and sound reasoning across multiple generations (Correct answer)
- Social history writing
- Digital archive management
Correct answer: Reasonably exhaustive research and sound reasoning across multiple generations
The KDP requires applicants to prove kinship through sound reasoning, exhaustive research, and accurate evidence across a multi-generational problem.
Question 5: A researcher finds two death certificates for the same individual listing different birthplaces. The appropriate GPS-compliant response is to:
- Accept the earlier-created document automatically
- Discard both and rely on oral family tradition
- Analyze each certificate's informant and resolve the conflict in writing (Correct answer)
- Average the two locations geographically
Correct answer: Analyze each certificate's informant and resolve the conflict in writing
Conflicting evidence must be analyzed by evaluating each informant's knowledge and resolving discrepancies with a written, reasoned explanation.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes 'indirect evidence' in the GPS framework?
- Evidence from a source that cannot be physically examined
- Information that answers the research question only when combined with other evidence (Correct answer)
- A photocopy rather than the original document
- Testimony given under oath
Correct answer: Information that answers the research question only when combined with other evidence
Indirect evidence requires combination with other evidence to address the research question, unlike direct evidence which answers it on its own.
Question 7: BCG's Code of Ethics requires certified genealogists to disclose which of the following to clients?
- Their full fee schedule to all competitors
- Conflicts of interest that could affect objectivity (Correct answer)
- All unpublished research notes permanently
- Names of other clients they have served
Correct answer: Conflicts of interest that could affect objectivity
The BCG Code of Ethics requires disclosure of any conflicts of interest that could impair the genealogist's objectivity or loyalty to the client.
BCG Quality Assurance & Compliance 2
Under BCG's Genealogical Proof Standard, which element requires the researcher to resolve conflicting evidence before stating a conclusion?