Issue 23.14
Part 2
5. Analyze your information, sources and evidence. Can you prove the relationships? Does the collected information correlate to evidence? A source is a document, artifact, book, person’s memory, etc. The original is best, either oral or recorded. A derivative source is that already written or spoken. Some derivatives can be treated as originals, such as a duplicate original made at the same time, an image copy, microfilmed records, a photo or digital copy of the original, and the clerk’s copy, entered in a register at the time of the event. Information is data that makes up a source. Primary is first hand from the participants or the eyewitnesses and secondary is a non-participant.
We use the evidence and it is our interpretation of the relevant information. Sometimes it will directly answer the research question by itself. Other times it will indirectly be relevant but cannot stand alone. Then there will be negative evidence which interferes. Inferred information can also be used when records are missing, but then you will need to spend more time disproving other options as well.
6. Resolve any conflicts caused by items of evidence that contradict each other or are contrary to your hypothetical question. All conflicts must be resolved. Usually original sources carry more weight than derivative sources. Primary information carries more weight than secondary. Indirect evidence can be just as important as direct evidence. Remember even primary information from an original source can be wrong. Consider the source of the information, is the widow thinking clearly when her husband has just been killed?
7. Decide and arrive at a soundly reasoned conclusion. Can you explain the problem, identify the known resources to solve it, present the evidence with source citations and analysis? Can you discuss any conflicting evidence and summarize the main points and write your conclusion?
Record the information. The best way to keep organized and find research errors is to computerize the information you have found. Family Tree at https://familysearch.org/tree is an updated approach to organizing and preserving your genealogy online. Family Tree is free, available to everyone, and provides an easy way to share information, compare research, and go further faster by working together.
Build your online family tree to organize your results. Keeping your research and records organized is important as you continue to find new details related to your family. Enter important information, including names, dates and places to build a solid foundation as you continue exploring your family history. There is no such thing as a completed genealogy. New information becomes available all the time. New people are added to families and mistakes are found that can be corrected.
Don’t forget the stories which bring these people to life. Uncover newspaper articles, records, military service, occupational and educational memories, and even family legends. Include the black sheep with detailed explanations. Collect memories from living relatives while you can. Make new connections using social media, Facebook, LinkedIn, family history societies are good places to find help.
Try to stay focused on one or two families at a time to help organize your research and increase your productivity. Select a couple of families that interest you rather than trying to fill in your entire family tree at once. Spend time gathering information and documenting your family in small pieces as you work towards the larger goal of filling in your whole family tree.
For more information, contact Shanna Jones (435) 628-4900 shannasjones@msn.com