HOW TO

Methodology is defined as the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a field of study. It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and principles associated with a branch of knowledge. In genealogy, we follow the Genealogical Proof Standard by conducting a reasonably exhaustive search for all information about the identity, relationships, events or stories surrounding our ancestors. We cite our sources. We analyse and correlate the information and carefully weigh all the evidence. We resolve or seek to explain any conflicts in the information we’ve collected and finally we draw conclusions based on all of the available evidence. And whenever new evidence comes to light, we re-evaluate and re-weight all the evidence and adjust our previous conclusions as necessary. There is no such thing as being all done with our genealogy!