CGL Research Methodology Flashcards
6 cards from real CGL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CGL Research Methodology flashcards as text
What is the significance of 'reasonably exhaustive search' in the GPS for a CGL lecturer to convey to students?
Answer: It means consulting all sources that might reasonably contain relevant information, not just the most convenient ones
Reasonably exhaustive does not mean infinite — it means proportionate thoroughness based on what records exist and are accessible for the time and place.
How should a CGL lecturer describe the role of DNA evidence within the GPS framework?
Answer: DNA is one type of evidence to be correlated with documentary evidence using the same GPS standards
Genetic genealogy evidence is evaluated using the same GPS framework — it must be correlated, cited, and analyzed like any other evidence.
When teaching research methodology, why is proper source citation emphasized as a core GPS requirement?
Answer: Citations allow others to verify sources, trace reasoning, and build on the research without duplicating effort
Complete, accurate citations are the foundation of reproducible and verifiable genealogical research — they allow the work to be checked and extended.
What distinguishes a 'proof summary' from a full 'proof argument' in genealogical reporting?
Answer: A proof summary is used when evidence is consistent and direct; a proof argument is needed when evidence is conflicting or indirect
The choice between summary and argument depends on the complexity and consistency of the evidence, not length or format alone.
In US genealogical research methodology, what is the primary purpose of using the FAN club (Family, Associates, Neighbors) approach?
Answer: To find indirect evidence about a target ancestor through records of people connected to them
The FAN club approach leverages the social and geographic networks of ancestors to uncover records and clues when the target ancestor is poorly documented.
Which of the following best describes 'negative evidence' in genealogical research methodology?
Answer: The absence of an expected record that, when considered thoughtfully, provides meaningful information
Negative evidence is meaningful absence — when someone expected to appear in a record does not, that absence itself can be informative if the record is reliable.
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