CGL Quality Control and Assurance 3

Question 1

Which scenario best illustrates a 'preponderance of evidence' approach in genealogical quality control?

Accepted Answer

Multiple independent sources consistently point to the same conclusion even though no single source is definitive

Answer

Preponderance of evidence means the cumulative weight of multiple independent, consistent sources tips the scales toward one conclusion even without a single decisive record.

Question 2

During a peer review of a genealogical case study, a reviewer notes that the author cited a published county history without indicating it is a secondary source. What standard is being evaluated?

Accepted Answer

Accurate citations that include source layer identification so readers can assess reliability

Answer

Quality citations communicate the nature of each source so readers can independently evaluate its reliability; failing to identify a published history as secondary omits critical evaluative information.

Question 3

When evaluating 'information' within a source for quality control purposes, which question is most relevant?

Accepted Answer

Was the informant a primary or secondary witness to the facts reported?

Answer

The informant's proximity to the events (primary vs. secondary witness) directly affects the reliability of the information contained in any source.

Question 4

A CGL candidate's lecture contains a conclusion about an ancestor's birthplace that relies solely on a death certificate completed by a grandchild. A quality reviewer would flag this because:

Accepted Answer

The grandchild is a secondary informant for birth information and the evidence is insufficient alone

Answer

A grandchild reporting a grandparent's birthplace is a secondary informant providing secondary information, making the death certificate alone insufficient to prove birthplace without corroboration.

Question 5

What does 'GPS element 5' (a soundly written conclusion) require that distinguishes it from the other GPS elements?

Accepted Answer

The researcher must explicitly connect the evidence to the conclusion using a narrative or summary that others can follow and evaluate

Answer

Element 5 requires transparency — the written conclusion must show readers the logical path from evidence to conclusion so the reasoning can be scrutinized and replicated.

(CGL) Certified Genealogical Lecturer Practice Test

(CGL) Certified Genealogical Lecturer Practice Test

CGL Quality Control and Assurance 3