Genealogical Proof Standard: Resolution of Conflicting Evidence Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the key concepts, standards, and typical causes of data discrepancies discussed in the lecture on Step 4 of the Genealogical Proof Standard: Resolution of Conflicting Evidence.

Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS)

A five-step process used to ensure family history information is accurate, including exhaustive search, source citation, analysis, resolution of conflict, and a written conclusion.

Board for Certification of Genealogologists (BCG)

The organization that establishes the Genealogical Proof Standard and publishes the "Genealogy Standards" manual.

Resolution of Conflicting Evidence

The fourth step of the Genealogical Proof Standard that substantiates the credibility of a conclusion by addressing and explaining discrepancies in data.

Reasonably Exhaustive Search

The first step of the Genealogical Proof Standard, involving the collection of all findable information about a person or family, such as census, birth, death, military, and land records.

Defensible Rationale

A logical, articulated explanation for why a researcher chooses to believe one piece of evidence over another or sets aside conflicting data.

Informant

The individual who provides the information found in a record; identifying this person helps determine the credibility and accuracy of the data provided.

1940 Census

A specific record noted for being the first U.S. census to explicitly identify the informant who provided the household's information.

Delayed Birth Record

A birth certificate registered years after the actual event (often decades later) for purposes like Social Security or passports, which may introduce inaccuracies due to memory or time.

Surname Variations

Conflicts in the spelling of a family name across records caused by factors such as spelling errors, transcription mistakes, pronunciation, or Americanization.

Boundary Changes

A reason for inconsistent locations in records where an ancestor's birthplace may be listed as different countries or states because political borders moved over time.

Prejudices of the Time

Social biases that may cause ancestors to hide or change their ethnic identity or birthplace in records to avoid conflict or discrimination (e.g., identifying as Dutch instead of German).

Senior and Junior

Historical labels used to differentiate two men of the same name in a community; they do not always imply a father-son relationship.

In-law (Historical)

A term indicating a relationship created by law, which historically could refer to an adopted son rather than a daughter's husband.

DefensibleRationale (BCG Quote)

To "articulate a defensible rationale for setting aside evidence items that support all but one side of the conflict."