Studying the Genealogical Proof Standard

I am going to start my new series on "Educational Preparation for BCG Certification" by saying that these posts are not just for those interested in certification. Anyone who wants to learn about becoming a better genealogist could benefit.

For the past ten years I have focused on educating  myself in the field of genealogy. It is a fascinating field where there is always more to learn. In this series we will explore all kinds of educational options, from self-study to webinars to genealogy institutes, and everything in between.

We will start with the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), and then address each element of the GPS and the certification portfolio in future posts.

The Genealogical Proof Standard, as described on the Board for Certification of Genealogists website, consists of five elements:

• reasonably exhaustive research;
• complete, accurate citations to the source or sources of each information item;
• tests—through processes of analysis and correlation—of all sources, information items, and evidence;
• resolution of conflicts among evidence items; and
• a soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion.

This blog post focus on options for studying the GPS as a whole.

Informal study options:

1. Study how each element of the GPS contributes to the credibility of a conclusion on the Board for Certification of Genealogists website.

2. Study Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones (Arlington, VA: National Genealogical Socitey, 2013). When I say study, that is what I mean. This is not a book that you just read. It is a book that you read, ponder, discuss, and complete all of the exercises provided. This is one of the best educational options available, and all for $30.00 and a dedication of time. Tom Jones provides practical exercises for understanding and applying each of the elements of the GPS. Get out your highlighter, star the key concepts in each chapter, and challenge yourself to complete each and every one of the exercises.

The paperback book is available from the National Genealogical Society or Amazon, and the Kindle version is available here.

3. Study the book Genealogy Standards produced by the Board for Certification of Genealogists (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2014). Again, I do not mean just read the book. This one also requires study. This book is essentially a collection of best practices in the field of genealogy. You may need to look up terms in the glossary in the back of the book, as definitions may be slightly different than those used in other fields. You may choose to evaluate your own research process, and add or refine steps as described in the standards. If you apply for certification these are the standards you will be judged by, so be sure you understand each of them, and incorporate them into your work habits.

For further study consider the following:

4. Read Genealogical Proof Standard: Building a Solid Case by Christine Rose, 4^th edition revised (San Jose, California: CR Publications, 2014). Available from CR Publications.  

5. Read Genealogical Standards of Evidence: A Guide for Family Historians by Brenda Dougall Merriman (Toronto, Canada: Dundurn Press, 2010). Available on Amazon.

6. Listen to an interview with Christine Rose on the Genealogical Proof Standard in the Learning Center at FamilySearch.org.

7. Read the article “The Genealogical Proof Standard: How Simple Can It Be?” by Thomas W. Jones from OnBoard, 16 (September 2010). 

8. Read the article "The Genealogical Proof Standard in Practice" by Melissa A. Johnson, CG in the January 2016 edition of the NGS Monthly. Members of the National Genealogical Society can access the NGS Monthly at http://ngsmonthly.ngsgenealogy.org/

9. Listen to “The Genealogical Proof Standard: What It Is and What It Is Not,” a lecture presented by Thomas W. Jones at the 2011 Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference, in Springfield, Illinois. The recording is available through Fleetwood Onsite Conference Recording.

Formal study options:

10. If you would like to study the concepts in Mastering Genealogical Proof  with others, then consider joining a GenProof Study Group. These groups study the book chapter by chapter and then meet online to discuss the concepts and exercises. See more information at  GenProof Study Groups or to get on the waiting list for a future group.

11. Another option is to watch the recorded version of Dear Myrtle's "Mastering Genealogical Proof Study Group" archived on YouTube. Here are the links for MGP1 (2013) and MGP2 (2014). 

12. In 2015 Thomas W. Jones taught a course called "Determining Kinship Reliably with the Genealogical Proof Standard" at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh. This course may be repeated in the future, and if so, I will post about it. 


Comments:
Feel free to comment on other resources you have found helpful in studying the Genealogical Proof Standard.

Note:

These are just ideas for you to add to your individual education plan as you choose. They are NOT meant to be a checklist where you have to read/study/participate in every option. 

Appreciation: 
I would like to thank my friend Debra Hoffman, who has agreed to be my editor for this blog series.

Links to other posts in this series:
Educational Preparation for BCG Certification  
Studying the Genealogical Proof Standard

Conducting Reasonably Exhaustive Research

Studying the Art of Citation

Studying Evidence Analysis, Part 1

Two Gen Proof Study Groups to Begin in August

The Gen Proof study groups are organized to study the book Mastering Genealogical Proof, byThomas W. Jones. This is an exceptional textbook detailing the application of the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS). The exercises will help you develop the skills you need to be comfortable applying the GPS to your genealogy work. This study program will consist of small groups of approximately 15-20 members and a mentor who will guide the discussions and answer questions. 

Registration is now open for two groups beginning in August:

Group 42 with Melanie Holtz, CG as mentor begins August 3rd. This is an ADVANCED group.

Group 43 with Cafi Cohen as mentor begins on August 17th. This is a Beginner/intermediate group.

STUDY GROUP PLATFORM
Thanks to an arrangement with ProGen, the Gen Proof Study Groups now have the opportunity to use Basecamp as a platform. Basecamp is a project management platform that allows students to pose questions, participate in discussions and upload assignments. The group will not meet at a designated time but have ongoing discussions throughout the week. The mentor will log on each day to answer questions and highlight certain concepts, and participants should check in daily also. Basecamp is the same platform used for the ProGen Study Groups so some of you are already familiar with it.
There will be no expense involved to participate (other than the cost of the book). Each Gen Proof Study Group has their own private Basecamp group where they can ask and answer questions, submit assignments and examples and discuss the book content and assignments.

Commitments -- Please take into account any travel plans or large time commitments before registering for a study group. You should plan to fully participate in all of the group discussions and so should wait for a future group if you have a vacation coming up or large projects you are working on.

Completion Certificates – In order to encourage full participation throughout the course, we are now offering completion certificates to those who fully participate and complete the mentoring program. In order to qualify you must participate in each of the discussions and complete the exercises. In order for the group to be successful we need full participation from each group member. 
 
REGISTRATION:
IF you are prepared to make a commitment to the study group, then please copy and paste the following into a new email (not a reply) to genproofstudy@gmail.com with the subject heading “Registration.”
Placement in discussion groups is on a first come first serve basis.
Gorup mentored by:
Name:
City, State:
Preferred Email Address:

GETTING STARTED
Once you have been assigned to a group you will receive a confirmation email. After your group fills, you will be contacted and given access to the private Basecamp community for your group discussions.

BEFORE the start date of you group you should do the following:
1.     Begin reading Mastering Genealogical Proof. In particular read the preface, chapters 1 and 2.
2.     Read the two articles in Appendixes A and B. These articles will require multiple readings in order to absorb the information and do the exercises related to these articles. While the exercises don’t begin until chapter 2, you will need the extra time to digest these articles.
3.     If you are not familiar with the short article by William M. Litchman, CG, for learning how to read a National Genealogical Society Quarterly article, you will find his method helpful. The articles in Appendix A and B originally appeared in the NGSQ. The link to the Litchman article is http://www.unm.edu/~litchman/Analysis%20article.htm 

The discussions begin on the date designated. The first week / discussion will begin right off discussing the preface and chapter one. The second week / discussion will cover chapter 2 including the reading and exercises, and will continue with one chapter per week, according the schedule set by the mentor.

Each group will discuss key points in the reading and there will be opportunities to ask questions on the reading material, exercises, and answers to the exercises. Each mentor will highlight points they think are important and guide discussions on the Genealogical Proof Standard and other content in each chapter.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask your mentor, or email Michelle Goodrum at michelle.r.goodrum@gmail.com.

Sincerely,
Michelle Goodrum
Gen Proof Study Groups Administrator

Two New Gen Proof Study Groups To Begin in April

Here is your chance to study the book Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones with a group of genealogists and discuss the concepts with a mentor. Below is an announcement from Michelle Goodrum, the administrator of the Gen Proof Study Groups.

Thanks to an arrangement with the ProGen Study Program, we are now offering Gen Proof Study Groups through the Basecamp project management website. Registration is now open for two groups beginning in April. Please read on for additional information.

Gen Proof Study Group Registration
The Gen Proof study groups are organized to study the book Mastering Genealogical Proof, by Thomas W. Jones. This is an exceptional textbook detailing the application of the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS). The exercises will help you develop the skills you need to be comfortable applying the GPS to your genealogy work. This study program will consist of small groups of 10-20 members and a mentor who will guide the discussions and answer questions.

Registration is now open for two groups beginning in April:

Group 40 - Mentor Michelle Lewis
Beginning 6 April / Beginner/Intermediate level / Using the Basecamp website /
Asynchronous discussions /  One chapter per week (8 weeks)

Group 41 - Mentor Brenda Wheeler
Beginning 17 April / Advanced students / Using the Basecamp website
Text chats Friday evenings around 8-9pm Eastern. One chapter per week (8 weeks)

Study Group Platform
Thanks to an arrangement with the ProGen Study Program, the Gen Proof Study Groups now have the opportunity to use Basecamp as a platform. Basecamp is a project management platform. It is the same platform used for the ProGen Study Groups so some of you are already familiar with it.
There will be no expense involved to participate (other than the cost of the book). Each Gen Proof Study Group has their own private Basecamp group where they can ask and answer questions, submit assignments and examples and discuss the book content and assignments.

The following formats were selected for the study groups:  
• Asynchronous discussion (Group 40)-- The group will not meet at a designated time but have ongoing discussions throughout the week. The mentor will log on each day to answer questions and highlight certain concepts, and participants should check in daily also.
• Text chats (Group 41) – This group will meet on Friday evenings in a chat room for a live chat. Discussions can also take place throughout the week.
• Frequency – Both groups will meet every week for eight weeks. Please be sure you have time to read the chapter and complete all of the exercises (these may take you several hours) BEFORE each of your group discussions. Since these groups cover one chapter per week, it will be very fast paced. So you should plan on studying and participating for about 10-15 hours per week.

Commitments -- Please take into account any travel plans or large time commitments before registering for a study group. You should plan to fully participate in all of the group discussions and so should wait for a future group if you have a vacation coming up or large projects you are working on.

Completion Certificates – In order to encourage full participation throughout the course, we are now offering completion certificates to those who fully participate and complete the mentoring program. In order to qualify you must participate in each of the discussions and complete the exercises. In order for the group to be successful we need full participation from each group member. 

How to Register
IF you are prepared to make a commitment to the study group, then please email genproofstudy@gmail.com with the subject heading “Registration.”
Placement in discussion groups is on a first come first serve basis.
Gorup mentored by:
Name:
City, State:
Preferred Email Address:

Getting Started
Once you have been assigned to a group you will receive a confirmation email. After your group fills, you will be contacted and given access to the private Basecamp community for your group discussions.

BEFORE the start date of you group you should do the following:
1. Begin reading Mastering Genealogical Proof. In particular read the preface, chapters 1 and 2.
2. Read the two articles in Appendixes A and B. These articles will require multiple readings in order to absorb the information and do the exercises related to these articles. While the exercises don’t begin until chapter 2, you will need the extra time to digest these articles.
3. If you are not familiar with the short article by William M. Litchman, CG, for learning how to read a National Genealogical Society Quarterly article, you will find his method helpful. The articles in Appendix A and B originally appeared in the NGSQ. The link to the Litchman article is http://www.unm.edu/~litchman/Analysis%20article.htm

The discussions begin on the date designated. The first week / discussion will begin right off discussing the preface and chapter one. The second week / discussion will cover chapter 2 including the reading and exercises, and will continue with one chapter per week, according the schedule set by the mentor.

Each group will discuss key points in the reading and there will be opportunities to ask questions on the reading material, exercises, and answers to the exercises. Each mentor will highlight points they think are important and guide discussions on the Genealogical Proof Standard and other content in each chapter.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask your mentor, or email Michelle Goodrum at michelle.r.goodrum@gmail.com.

Sincerely,
Michelle Goodrum
Gen Proof Study Groups Administrator

Study Mastering Genealogy Proof in 2015

Registration is now open for two new Gen Proof Study Groups beginning in January 2015.

The Gen Proof Study Groups are organized to study the book Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones. This is an exceptional textbook detailing the application of the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS). The exercises will help you develop the skills you need to be comfortable applying the GPS to your genealogy work. This study program will consist of small groups of 10-20 members and a mentor who will guide the discussions and answer questions.

Registration is now open for 2 groups beginning in January 2015.

Group 37 with Liz Stratton, PLCGS
Begin Date: 18 January
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Format: Asynchronous Google+ with Hangouts
Frequency: One chapter every other week.
Hangout Thurs 9pm Eastern. Possibility for second Hangout time also.

Group 38 with Cari Taplin
Begin Date: 19 January
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Format: Asynchronous Google+ with optional Hangouts
Frequency: One chapter every other week.
                
Study Group Platform
We use a Google + private community as a platform for this study group so there will be no expense involved to participate (other than the cost of the book). You need a free Google + account. Each Gen Proof Study Group has their own private Google + community where they can ask and answer questions and discuss the book content and assignments.

Both mentors have selected the following format for their study groups:
Asynchronous discussion board -- The group will not meet at a designated time but have ongoing discussions on a private Google + Community discussion board throughout the week. The mentor will log on each day to answer questions and highlight certain concepts, and participants should check in daily also.

Frequency – These groups will meet every other week for sixteen weeks. Please be sure you have time to read the chapter and complete all of the exercises (these may take you several hours) BEFORE each of your group discussions. You should plan on studying and participating for about ten hours per week.

Commitments -- Please take into account any travel plans or large time commitments before registering for a study group. You should plan to fully participate in all of the group discussions and so should wait for a future group if you have a vacation coming up or large projects you are working on.

Completion Certificates – In order to encourage full participation throughout the course, we are now offering completion certificates to those who fully participate and complete the mentoring program. In order to qualify you must participate in each of the discussions and complete the exercises. In order for the group to be successful we need full participation from each group member.

How to Register for a Group
IF you are prepared to make a commitment to the study group, then please email the following information to genproofstudy@gmail.com with the subject heading “Registration.”
Placement in discussion groups is on a first come first serve basis.
Group mentored by:
Name:
City, State:
Preferred Email Address:
Google + username (usually an email address):
** The Google + account is necessary for the asynchronous discussion group.

Getting Started
Once you have been assigned to a group you will receive a confirmation email. After your group fills, you will be contacted and given access to the private Google + community for your group discussions.

BEFORE the start date of you group you should do the following:
1.     Begin reading Mastering Genealogical Proof. In particular read the preface, chapters 1 and 2.
2.     Read the two articles in Appendixes A and B. These articles will require multiple readings in order to absorb the information and do the exercises related to these articles. While the exercises don’t begin until chapter 2, you will need the extra time to digest these articles.
3.     If you are not familiar with the short article by Dr. William M. Litchman for learning how to read a National Genealogical Society Quarterly article, you will find his method helpful. The articles in Appendix A and B originally appeared in the NGSQ. The link to the Litchman article is http://www.unm.edu/~litchman/Analysis%20article.htm 

The discussions begin on the date designated. The first week / discussion will begin right off discussing the preface and chapter one. The third week / discussion will cover chapter 2 including the reading and exercises, and will continue with one chapter every other week, according the schedule set by the mentor.

Each group will discuss key points in the reading and there will be opportunities to ask questions on the reading material, exercises, and answers to the exercises. Each mentor will highlight points they think are important and guide discussions on the Genealogical Proof Standard and other content in each chapter.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask your mentor, or email Michelle Goodrum at genproofstudy@gmail.com.

Sincerely,
Michelle Goodrum
Gen Proof Study Groups Administrator

Two New Gen Proof Study Groups Forming

There are two new Gen Proof Study Groups forming to study the book Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones. There is no charge to participate other than the cost of the book.

The group mentors have all been through the book in their own mentoring group with Tom Jones.

We are now offering groups at two different levels: Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced. The same material is covered in each group. The self assessed skill level of the participants is what determines the group you would register for. This way participants with similar skill levels will work
through the book together.


For more information on the Gen Proof study groups see:

"Gen Proof" Groups to Study Mastering Genealogical Proof

Gen Proof Study Groups – How To Get In

Here is the information on the two groups:

Shelley Bishop will mentor an Advanced group using Google+ Communities with a video chat (hangout) option. They will cover one chapter per week beginning September 1st. Solid intermediate participants are welcome in this group as well.

Julie George will mentor a Beginner/Intermediate group using Google+ Community. This group will also cover one chapter each week and begins September 8th.

Both mentors have selected the following format for their study groups: Asynchronous discussion board-- The group will not meet at a designated time but have ongoing discussions on a private Google + Community discussion board throughout the week. The mentor will log on each day to
answer questions and highlight certain concepts, and participants should check in daily also.

If you are interested in either of these groups or would like to be placed on the waiting list for a future group, send an email to genproofstudy@gmail.com. Include your preference of group level
(beginner/intermediate or advanced.)

If you have any questions, please email genproofstudy@gmail.com.

Registration Open for Gen Proof Study Groups

Registration for two Gen Proof Study groups is open right now. The Gen Proof Study Groups work

through the book Mastering Genealogical Proof, by Thomas W. Jones, in small groups of 10-15 individuals guided by a mentor. They discuss their thoughts, insights and questions about the five parts of the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), the chapter exercises and, their own research as it applies to the GPS. If you want to effectively apply the GPS to your own research, this successful program is an excellent way.

Currently there are two groups with openings. One is a beginner/intermediate group. The other is an advanced group. Each group will cover one chapter per week. There are only a few spots left in each group so claim yours now!

Group 33 with mentor Christine Sharbrough begins July 6th. It is a beginner/intermediate group using the asynchronous chat format in Google+ Communities. They will cover one chapter per week. There is one spot left in this group.

Group 34 with mentor Melanie Holtz begins June 29th. It is an advanced group also using the asynchronous chat format in Google + Communities. They will cover one chapter per week.

If you are interested, send an email to genproofstudy@gmail.com and the administrator, Michelle Goodrum, will send you an invitation to register for the group. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for future groups, send an email to genproofstudy@gmail.com and, if you have a preference, indicate whether you are interested in beginner/intermediate or an advanced group.

We will form additional groups in late summer/early fall.

For more information on the Gen Proof Study Groups and how they work see:

"Gen Proof" Groups to Study Mastering Genealogical Proof

Gen Proof Study Groups – How To Get In

Two New Gen Proof Study Groups in June

If you would like to study the book Mastering Genealogical Proof  by Thomas W. Jones then you may want to join one of the Gen Proof Study Groups. There are still a handful of spots left in the two 
groups beginning in June. To join a study group send an email to genproofstudy@gmail.com

For more details on the Gen Proof Study Groups see:

"Gen Proof" Groups to Study Mastering Genealogical Proof

Gen Proof Study Groups – How To Get In

Darci Hind Posz, CG will mentor a group beginning June 2, 2014
Beginner/Intermediate level
Format: Asynchronous discussions with video chats, one chapter per week. They will take the week of June 30 off.

Michael Hait, CG will mentor a group beginning June 17, 2014
Advanced level
Format: Asynchronous discussions with a weekly Google Hangout. They will cover one chapter every two weeks -- one week to discuss text, one to discuss homework

Spring Gen Proof Study Groups Forming

Are you interested in taking your genealogical research to the next level? Would you like to discuss the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) with others in a small group? Do you want to effectively apply the GPS to your own research? Perhaps it’s time for you to begin studying the book Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones. 

New rounds of Gen Proof Study Groups are forming now. The small groups of 10-15 members and their mentor will work their way through each chapter of Mastering Genealogical Proof. They will discuss their thoughts, insights and questions about the five parts of the GPS, the chapter exercises and, their own research as it applies to the GPS.

If you are interested in joining:

1.       Make a commitment. You need to be able to commit at least 10 hours per week to read the book, complete the chapter exercises and participate in discussions.

2.       Obtain a copy of Mastering Genealogical Proof. The book is published by the National Genealogical Society and can be ordered here . It is also available as a KindleEdition. 

3.       Read the first two chapters to understand the commitment you are making.

4.       Decide what group level you would like to be in: beginner/intermediate or advanced.

5.       Send an email to get on the waiting list (see Registration Process below). Include your preference of group level (beginner/intermediate or advanced.)

Meeting times:

• Some groups will meet and study one chapter every week for 8 weeks, and others will meet every other week for 16 weeks
• There will be a variety of start dates.

Study Group Platform

We use Google + private communities as a platform for the study groups so there will be no expense involved to participate. You need to have a free Google + account. Each Gen Proof study group will have their own private Google + community where they can ask and answer questions and discuss the book content and assignments.

The groups will meet in one of four formats selected by the mentor. 

Asynchronous discussion board-- These groups do not meet at a designated time but have ongoing discussions on a private Google + Community discussion board throughout the week. The mentor will log on each day to answer questions and highlight certain concepts, and participants should check in daily also.

Video chat – These groups meet weekly or bi-weekly at a designated time for a one hour video chat on a private Google Hangout. You MUST have a computer or a tablet with a headset and microphone to participate. This is great for those who like to meet in real time and video chat to discuss the subject.  

Text chat – These groups meet at a designated time for one hour in a private chat room. You type your thoughts and questions via text chat and others will respond and discuss the concepts in real time. This format is good for those who do not want to video chat, but like a designated time each week to meet and discuss the subject.

Asynchronous discussion board with option to video chat – This combination of options discussed above has become very popular.  

Mastering Genealogical Proof Google + Community

We have created a public Google + community page to encourage discussion of the book. The link to the Mastering Genealogical Proof community page is https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/109187935060995685018

To join, click the red “Join Community” button at the top of the page.

Registration Process

To join the Gen Proof Study Group waiting list:

1.       Send an email to genproofstudy at gmail.com. Include your preference of group level (beginner/intermediate or advanced.)

2.       We will email an application form to those on the waiting list which will include the name of each mentor, their study group start date and format.  Participants will reply with a commitment to participate and indicate their first and second choice for study groups.

3.       Once the study groups are filled, your mentor will contact you and give you access to the private Google + community or Basecamp website where you will participate in your group discussions.

4.       Have fun studying this wonderful new book with a great group of genealogists!

Questions

Questions can be asked on the Mastering Genealogical Proof Google + Community page or via email at genproofstudy at gmail.com