CGL CGL Research Methodology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) used for in genealogical research?
- To provide a framework for reaching soundly reasoned, well-documented conclusions about ancestry (Correct answer)
- To standardize the format of genealogical charts and pedigrees
- To establish licensing requirements for genealogists in the US
- To regulate access to genealogical databases and archives
Correct 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.
Question 2: Which of the following is the FIRST step recommended in the Genealogical Proof Standard?
- Reasonably exhaustive search of all sources (Correct answer)
- Writing a proof summary or argument
- Citing every source consulted
- Resolving conflicting evidence
Correct answer: Reasonably exhaustive search of all sources
A reasonably exhaustive search ensures the researcher has not missed critical evidence before drawing conclusions.
Question 3: In genealogical research, what distinguishes an 'original' source from a 'derivative' source?
- An original is the first recording of information; a derivative is created from an original (Correct answer)
- An original is handwritten; a derivative is printed
- An original source is free to access; a derivative requires payment
- An original is always more accurate than a derivative
Correct 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.
Question 4: What does 'direct evidence' mean in genealogical research?
- Information that answers a research question without needing to be combined with other evidence (Correct answer)
- Evidence found directly in a courthouse or official archive
- Primary source records only, excluding secondary sources
- Evidence obtained through direct interviews with living relatives
Correct 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.
Question 5: When a genealogical lecturer teaches research methodology, which approach best illustrates the concept of 'indirect evidence'?
- A death certificate lists no parents, but the informant's age allows inference about birth year (Correct answer)
- A birth certificate that directly states the father's full name
- A census record that explicitly lists a person's birthplace
- A marriage record that names both spouses
Correct 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.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'research plan' in genealogical methodology?
- To identify specific records to search and hypotheses to test before beginning research (Correct answer)
- To document findings after research is complete
- To list all ancestors discovered in the research process
- To outline the format of a final genealogical report
Correct 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.
CGL CGL Research Methodology 1
What is the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) used for in genealogical research?