Genealogy:Standards For Sound Genealogical Research
From WingetWiki
Recommended by the National Genealogical Society
Remembering always that they are engaged in a quest for truth, family history researchers consistently —
• Record the source for each item of information they collect.
• Test every hypothesis or theory against credible evidence, and reject those that are not supported by evidence.
• Seek original records, or reproduced images of them where there is reasonable assurance they have not been altered, as the basis for their research conclusions.
• Use compilations, communications, and published works, whether paper or electronic, primarily for their value as guides to locating the original records.
• State something as a fact only when it is supported by convincing evidence, and identify the evidence when communicating the fact to others.
• Limit with words like “probable” or “possible” any statement that is based on less than convincing evidence, and state the reasons for concluding that it is probable or possible.
• Avoid misleading other researchers by either intentionally or carelessly distributing or publishing inaccurate information.
• State carefully and honestly the results of their own research, and acknowledge all use of other researchers’ work.
• Recognize the collegial nature of genealogical research by making their work available to others through publication, or by placing copies in appropriate libraries or repositories, and by welcoming critical comment.
• Consider with open minds new evidence or the comments of others on their work and the conclusions they have reached.
© 1997, 2002 by the National Genealogical Society. Permission is granted to copy this material provided it is reproduced in its entirety, including this notice.
