Analytical Methods and Techniques Flashcards

What is 'correlation' in the context of genealogical proof arguments?

Answer: Comparing evidence from multiple sources to identify agreements and conflicts

Correlation involves systematically comparing information from all gathered sources to identify agreements, conflicts, and gaps before drawing conclusions.

Which scenario best illustrates 'circular reasoning' in genealogical research?

Answer: Citing a compiled genealogy as proof, when that genealogy itself cites an unverified family tradition

Circular reasoning occurs when the proof of a claim loops back to an unverified assumption, as when a compiled work cites a tradition it helped perpetuate.

When is a 'reasonably exhaustive search' considered complete under the GPS?

Answer: When the researcher has searched all sources that a competent genealogist would consider relevant

Completeness is judged by whether a competent genealogist would recognize that all pertinent source types have been consulted, not by a fixed number of sources.

A researcher finds a marriage record for 'Mary Jones' but cannot confirm it is her Mary Jones. What analytical technique helps resolve this identity problem?

Answer: Cluster analysis to establish whether the marriage context fits her known associates

Cluster analysis examines whether witnesses, neighbors, and associates in the marriage record match those known from other records about the subject.

How does 'preponderance of evidence' function in genealogical proof?

Answer: The weight of credible evidence favoring one conclusion outweighs evidence favoring alternatives

Preponderance of evidence means the cumulative weight of credible, correlated evidence tilts convincingly toward one conclusion over competing alternatives.

What is the primary purpose of a 'research plan' in the GPS framework?

Answer: To ensure the research question guides systematic source selection before work begins

A research plan keeps the researcher focused on the specific question, guides prioritization of sources, and prevents aimless searching.

Which element of a proof argument explains WHY the evidence, taken together, supports the conclusion?

Answer: The discussion or narrative analysis section

The written analysis discusses the reasoning that connects the evidence to the conclusion, resolving conflicts and demonstrating logical coherence.