Conducting Reasonably Exhaustive Research

This is part of my ongoing series on Educational Preparation for BCG Certification. It is not limited to those interested in certification, but provides ideas for any interested genealogist. There are links to the other articles in this series at the bottom of this post.

GPS Element #1: Conducting Reasonably Exhaustive Research

To understand “reasonably exhaustive research” you may want to study what that phrase means, and all the record types it includes.

Informal study options:

1. Study chapter 3 on “GPS Element 1: Thorough Research” in Mastering Genealogical Proof by Thomas W. Jones (Arlington, VA: National Genealogical Society, 2013).  

• Note that “six criteria help us temper the exhaustive search to make it reasonable.” (pages 23-26).
• Don’t miss table 1 on page 25 that covers “Suggestions for Identifying Sources to Answer Genealogical Questions.”

2. Read and study The Researcher’s Guide to American Genealogy by Val D. Greenwood, 3^rd edition (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2000). You may have already done this early in your genealogy education, but it is an excellent textbook on the basic sources genealogists use. It deserves a fresh reading every year or two. If there are any records mentioned that you do not have personal experience researching, then get to a local repository or archive and spend some serious time with the records.

Another reason to study this book:

The Board for Certification of Genealogists uses rubrics to judge the seven elements of the application portfolio. The rubric RR2 on page 3 reads:

“Research covered commonly used sources relevant to the problem and extended to those that might illuminate or challenge other findings in the time allowed; and it proceeded in a logical sequence.²”

            The footnote #2 states: “‘Commonly used sources’ are defined here as those addressed by

            chapter titles in part 2 of Val D. Greenwood, The Researcher’s Guide to American 

            Genealogy, 3rd edition (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 2000).”

You will want to be familiar with, and have experience working with, all the record types that will be included in the evaluation process. Note that the rubric specifies "sources relevant to the problem." You will use your knowledge and experience to determine which sources are relevant to your specific research question. 

3. Read the following articles by Judy Kellar Fox on SpringBoard, the BCG blog:

            Are You Searching or Researching?

            What Is “Reasonably Exhaustive” Research?  

            “Reasonably Exhaustive”—How Do We Know We’re There?

4. Read the following articles by Elizabeth Shown Mills on QuickTips, the blog at Evidence Explained.com:

            Reasonably Exhaustive Research: Quantity or Quality?

5. Read the article "A Lesson in Reasonably Exhaustive Research" by Melissa A. Johnson, CG in the November 2015 edition of the NGS Monthly. Members of the National Genealogical Society can access the NGS Monthly at http://ngsmonthly.ngsgenealogy.org/

Formal study options:

6. Michael Hait, CG presented a webinar on “What is a ‘Reasonably Exhaustive Search?” for Legacy Family Tree Webinars. Since this presentation was given BCG has changed the first element of the GPS to be reasonably exhaustive “research” rather than “search.” The recorded version and handout are available to Legacy Family Tree Webinar subscribers at http://familytreewebinars.com/download.php?webinar_id=88

7. To hear an example of reasonably exhaustive research in a case study, you may want to order a CD of the lecture Reasonably Exhaustive Research: An Immigrant Case Study by F. Warren Bittner, CG, given at the FGS national conference in 2012.  

8. In the past many students took the NGS American Genealogy course (home-study or on CD) to gain experience working with a wide range of genealogical sources. This course is being replaced by a new series of online courses, American Genealogical Studies. This series looks good, but is not yet complete and so does not cover all the records types necessary for reasonably exhaustive research.

There are other courses available, and I would recommend evaluating courses by the thoroughness in the types of records they cover, and if they have assignments to work with records in repositories and archives. Hands-on experience with the records is a better teacher than just reading about each type of record.

9. If you enjoy in-person instruction then I would recommend an intermediate genealogy course at a genealogy institute. These courses generally cover all the records needed to conduct reasonably exhaustive research, and also include some sessions on methodology. Here are some options available in 2016:

•  Intermediate Genealogy and Historical Studies course at the Institute for Genealogy &  Historical Research (IGHR)  --  Angela Packer McGhie (coordinator)  http://samford.libguides.com/ighr-courses/ighr-cours

• Intermediate Genealogy course at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) 2016 -- Paula Stuart Warren, CG (coordinator)                                         http://www.gripitt.org/?page_id=1195

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. 

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

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

Follow Friday -- Online Learning and DNA Education

Today I want to recommend two of my favorite blogs, and recent posts that pertain to genealogy education.

You may already be familiar with The Legal Genealogist blog written by Judy Russell, JD, CG, CGL, but if you missed her post on Online Learning you may want to go back and read it. She details some of the many options for online webinars and live streaming of genealogy conferences.

The other blog I would like to highlight today is Deb's Delvings in Genealogy written by Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL. She recently wrote a post on  Prep for Genetic Genealogy Training at Institutes but her suggested readings are good for anyone interested in studying DNA genetic genealogy. She suggests books, blogs and courses on DNA and its use in genealogy. 

Insider's View of the ProGen Study Program

Have you considered participating in the ProGen Study Program studying the manual Professional Genealogy? For this week's Follow Friday post I would like to share some posts written by recent alumni of the program. They share their experiences and their advice for others who may want to join one of these study groups.

Some Comments about ProGen by Jill Morelli on the blog Genealogy Certification: My Personal Journal 

I'm a ProGen Alumnus! by Miriam J. Robbins on the blog AnceStories: The Stories of My Ancestors

The ProGen Study Groups were also featured on the Genealogy Professional Podcast with Marian Pierre-Louis. You can listen to the episode here.

 

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

Tom Jones Compares Editions of Genealogy Standards Manual

With all the excitement over the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) releasing Genealogy Standards, an updated version of their standards manual published in 2000, there have been inquiries about the differences in the two editions. Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG^SM, CGL^SM , the editor of the book, answered questions on a private mailing list and gave me permission to share his response here:

"The revision is both longer and shorter. Five appendixes (86 pages) in the 2000 edition show examples of different kinds of genealogical compilations and reports, all fictitious. The 2014 edition replaces that section with a 3-page list of online and print resources for non-fictitious examples. The new edition also contains a 17-page glossary, which the prior edition does not have.

Not only does the newer edition have fewer pages, they are smaller in size. The font size is not smaller. The new edition's 83 standards fill 41 pages, where the earlier edition's 72 standards fill 25 larger pages. The standards in both editions cover the same principles, but they are reorganized in the new edition, as well as updated to reflect relevant advances in technology and science since 1999. The reorganization includes separating multi-part standards, combining related concepts into one standard (thus minimizing repetition and redundancy), and grouping standards to reflect more clearly the structure of the genealogy discipline's skill set. Each standard now bears a title/descriptor. The new edition aims for greater clarity, stronger connections to genealogists and their work, and closer ties to the Genealogical Proof Standard. Watch the Website for charts showing the correspondence between the two editions' standards numbers."

Pre-order the book:

SAVE 20%! To place a specially-priced, pre-publication order with delivery in the first part of February 2014, visit http://www.bcgcertification.org/catalog/index.html. Regularly priced at $14.95, the pre-publication price is $11.95 before January 27, 2014.

To read the press release from the Board for Certification of Genealogists on Genealogy Standards see this post:

New Genealogy Standards Manual

New Genealogy Standards Manual

I was excited to hear this morning that the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) is releasing Genealogy Standards, an updated edition of The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual (2000). This new manual is issued in honor or the 50th anniversary of the Board for Certification of Genealogists.

Details from the press release:

“Accuracy is fundamental to genealogical research,” writes editor Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG^SM, CGL^SM, in the introduction. “Without it, a family’s history would be fiction. This manual presents the standards family historians use to obtain valid results. These standards apply to all genealogical research, whether shared privately or published.”

 

The 83 specific standards cover the process of researching family history and the finished products of the research. Based on the five-part Genealogical Proof Standard, the standards cover:

* documenting (standards 1–8);
* researching (standards 9–50), including planning, collecting, and reasoning from evidence;
* writing (standards 51–73), including proofs, assembly, and special products;

* teaching and lecturing (standards 74–81); and
* continuing education (standards 82 & 83).  

The 100-page book includes appendices: the genealogist's code, a description of BCG and its work, a list of sources and resources where examples of work that meets standards are regularly published, a glossary, and an evidence-process map distinguishing the three kinds of sources, information, and evidence.

“We are delighted to provide this new edition, which is meant for all genealogical researchers and practitioners as a way to recognize sound genealogy,” said BCG president Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL. “We appreciate the many hands that helped bring this new edition to fruition and look forward to its widespread usage in the field.” 

Pre-order the book: 

SAVE 20%! To place a specially-priced, pre-publication order with delivery in the first part of February 2014, visit http://www.bcgcertification.org/catalog/index.html. Regularly priced at $14.95, the pre-publication price is $11.95 before January 27, 2014. 

Board for Certification of Genealogists. Genealogy Standards, 50th anniversary edition. New York: Turner Publishing Co., 2014. 100 pp., paper, ISBN 978-1-63026-018-7, $14.95.

New Family History Activity Books for Kids

I am so excited about these new books for children learning about their family history. I have read the

first Zap the Grandma Gap book by Janet Hovorka, and it is excellent. Now she and her sister have created activity books for youth that will help them learn about their ancestry. Here is the press release on the new books:

New Activity Book Series Brings Youthful Fun To Family History

Cedar Hills, UT – November 6^th, 2013

Studies have shown that greater knowledge about family history especially strengthens and empowers youth by creating self-esteem, resilience and a greater sense of control over their lives.  Learning about the family’s past also strengthens the relationships between living family members by creating a shared experience and core identity that no one else in the world can duplicate. 

To help families achieve these great benefits authors Janet Hovorka and Amy Slade have developed a new series of “Zap The Grandma Gap--My Ancestor” activity books.  The first four books, My British Ancestor, My Civil War Ancestor, My Swedish Ancestor and My German Ancestor are 52 page activity books designed for 6-14 year olds with puzzles, activities, games and recipes combined with questions and learning opportunities about specific ancestors and the culture that surrounded them.  Timelines, paper dolls, coloring pages, maps, fairy tales, music, dot to dots and crossword puzzles combine to give youth the full picture of what their ancestors’ lives were like.  When pre-ordered now, the books will arrive in time to prompt questions around the Thanksgiving table.  Or they can become the perfect Christmas gift for children and grandchildren that will create stronger bonds in modern families by encouraging the whole family to learn about their ancestors together.  Sample pages from the books can be viewed on the website and blog at ZapTheGrandmaGap.com where they join other online and print resources to help families connect to each other by connecting to their past.   

With the My British Ancestor Activity Book youth can:

•     Discover online and offline resources for finding more information about your British roots
•   Compare British Schools to today’s schools
•    Solve puzzles about different British homes
•    Complete a crossword puzzle about British words your ancestors used
•    Learn about and participate in a British holiday
•    Plan a proper British family history tea party
•    Play British games your ancestors may have played
•    And explore many other activities

With the My German Ancestor Activity Book youth can:

•     Record how you are related to your German ancestor
•     Try some German recipes
•     Read a German Fairy Tale your ancestors might have known.
•     Color and cut out German paper dolls to tell the stories of your ancestors
•     Collect documents about your German ancestor’s life
•     Make a Schultute School Bag like your ancestors may have received for school.
•     Explore some of the qualities you share with your German Ancestor
•     And explore many other activities

With the My Civil War Ancestor Activity Book youth can:

•     Discover online and offline resources for finding more information about your Civil War ancestors
•     Follow a dot to dot about an important Civil War landmark
•     Try some of the food eaten by the Civil War soldiers
•     Learn some Civil War songs and bugle calls
•     Create a military band with homemade instruments
•     Record the battles in which your ancestors were involved
•     Write a eulogy for your Civil War ancestor
•     And explore many other activities

With the My Swedish Ancestor Activity Book youth can:

•     Place your Swedish ancestor in the context of broader Swedish history
•     Complete a crossword puzzle about Swedish words your ancestors used
•     Learn about and create items for a Swedish holiday
•     Color and cut out Swedish paper dolls to tell the stories of your ancestors
•     Write a letter to your Swedish ancestor
•     Design and color a drawing of a Dala horse such as your ancestor might have played with
•     Involve your whole family in the fun of learning about your Swedish ancestors
•     And explore many other activities

The “My Ancestor” activity books are designed to give kids ownership of their own family history.  “These books help young kids take the lead in learning about their family history for themselves,” says Hovorka.  “As they accomplish the activities together with the help of their parents and grandparents, they strengthen modern family bonds while they are strengthening their identity with the past.”  Parents and grandparents who teach children who they are and where they came from give youth a secure identity from which to draw courage as they encounter the challenges in their lives. 

The authors, sisters Janet Hovorka and Amy Slade grew up in a family history oriented home, but didn’t realize how much they were learning about their family history until later in life.   Throughout Janet’s 12 years as a popular genealogy speaker, co-owner of a family history company, genealogy instructor at SLCC, and as past president of the Utah Genealogical Association, she has witnessed over and over again how family history can heal the relationships in a family.  Her books Zap The Grandma Gap: Connect To Your Family By Connecting Them To Their Family History, and Zap The Grandma Gap Power Up Workbook have helped families connect with their roots through the real life examples drawn from Janet’s own experiences with her teenage children.   Over the last 8 years, Amy has traveled studying folklore, dance and food and culture around the world and recently received her Masters Degree in Folklore from George Mason University.  Together, they are living proof that exploring your family history helps strengthen relationships with living family members.

My German Ancestor (ISBN 978-09888-548-5-7), My Swedish Ancestor (ISBN 978-09888-548-4-0) My Civil War Ancestor (ISBN 978-09888548-3-3) and My British Ancestor (ISBN 978-09888-548-2-6), (Family ChartMasters Press, $9.95, 52 pages, 8.5x11, paperback) are available for pre-order at zapthegrandmagap.com.