We all know that a serious academic approach to genealogy is
more than just finding one record, clicking on shaky-leaf hints or simply
picking off the low lying genealogical fruit available to us.
A research plan is usually in order when we want to get down
to business on that certain familiar subject, our ancestor’s lives, but many
people struggle with formulating a good plan, and ultimately feel as though
they didn't accomplish what they were hoping for.
If we hope to accomplish something, we first need to define
what it is that we want to I accomplish. I know that sounds simple, but
we really need to focus on what the problem is we want to solve to help us set
the scope of our plan. Is the defined problem and scope too large?
Will it overwhelm us before we even get going? These are legitimate
questions we need to address. We constantly hear that a small, tightly
focused goal is easily accomplished and this very well may be where you need to
start. A goal of researching one direct ancestor in all record groups
helps you keep the focus on that one person, and keeps you tuned in to the
particulars of their life and ultimately the family that surrounded them.
As you come across collateral family members, remember to jot down the information on those
people too. Their information may lead to conclusions about the subject of your research, and the collateral people may become the focus of a future research plan. Just remember, don’t get distracted by the shiny
objects (people) you’re surely bound to come across. Focus!
Are you familiar with the Genealogical Proof Standard
(GPS) from the Board of Certified Genealogists? If not, that’s a great foundation upon which to build your
research plan once you've decided what your focused goal should be. In
summary there are five key components of the GPS, 1) do a reasonably exhaustive
search, 2) compile complete and accurate citations of your sources, 3) analyze
and correlate all of the information you've collected, 4) resolve any
conflicting evidence, and 5) produce a soundly reasoned and coherently written
conclusion of your findings.
The GPS is a necessary component to any competent research
plan. If you follow the steps outlined, you’ll undoubtedly be doing your
due diligence, and removing obstacles before they actually become
roadblocks. This GPS really does keep you on track and headed in the
right direction!
Do you have a checklist? If you don’t think you need
one, then I applaud you for your brainpower. Do I have that kind of
brainpower? Not so much. I would recommend making a
checklist that helps you remember what questions to ask yourself as you are
going through the GPS steps. Some sample questions I need to be reminded
of are:
· What types of records exist?
· Why
were those records created?
· Were there laws that governed the creation of this record?
· Were there laws that governed the creation of this record?
· Who
created the record?
· Who
was the informant on the record?
· Did
the informant have motive for the answers they provided?
· Is
the record an original or transcription/translation?
· Is
the record legible or hard to decipher?
· Is
the record from a primary, secondary or indeterminate source?
· Does
the record clearly state the fact or does it infer the fact?
· How
did you obtain the record?
· What
is the provenance of the record?
· Is
the record accurately and completely cited in your notes?
· Did
you obtain the original record, hard copy or digital image of the record (all necessary pages)?
Seeking to answer these questions will allow you to gather a
sufficient amount of evidence with which you can proceed through the final steps of
the GPS, where you are called upon to analyze and correlate the records, resolve
any conflicts and write a conclusion.
You are the sleuth of your own roots. Being prepared
with a focused goal and a sound GPS plan will help you accomplish those things
you never thought you were capable of.
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