CGL Research Methodology Flashcards

What is the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) used for in genealogical research?

Answer: To provide a framework for reaching soundly reasoned, well-documented conclusions about ancestry

The GPS is a five-element standard developed by the Board for Certification of Genealogists to guide researchers toward reliable conclusions.

Which of the following is the FIRST step recommended in the Genealogical Proof Standard?

Answer: Reasonably exhaustive search of all sources

A reasonably exhaustive search ensures the researcher has not missed critical evidence before drawing conclusions.

In genealogical research, what distinguishes an 'original' source from a 'derivative' source?

Answer: An original is the first recording of information; a derivative is created from an original

Original sources are the first capture of information, while derivatives (abstracts, transcriptions, indexes) are created from originals and may introduce errors.

What does 'direct evidence' mean in genealogical research?

Answer: Information that answers a research question without needing to be combined with other evidence

Direct evidence explicitly answers a research question on its own, unlike indirect evidence which requires correlation with other sources.

When a genealogical lecturer teaches research methodology, which approach best illustrates the concept of 'indirect evidence'?

Answer: A death certificate lists no parents, but the informant's age allows inference about birth year

Indirect evidence requires inference or combination with other data to answer the research question, unlike direct evidence which answers it explicitly.

What is the purpose of a 'research plan' in genealogical methodology?

Answer: To identify specific records to search and hypotheses to test before beginning research

A research plan directs the search by identifying goals, hypotheses, and the specific sources that should be consulted.