Good Family History Research is Good Research

I was trained in research methodologies in the social sciences.  I conducted formal studies and published at least 25 articles in professional research journals and book chapters.  I have recently taught classes in family history research around this theme--"Good Family History Research is Good Research."  Here is a summary of this class.  The steps of good research, as they might apply to family history work, as I would understand them, are:

1) Define the research question
Generally a researcher needs to narrow his/her focus in order to give clarity to the research effort and make it manageable, doable, and relevant.  This usually requires some initial study to determine what research has already been performed in the potential area of concern, what holes may be present in the existing body of knowledge (what hasn’t been yet worked on successfully), and then further refining, narrowing, and focusing of the question so that it becomes both significant and possible.  As an overall genealogical research strategy, one might choose to focus on direct line ancestors and families, on a particular line of descendants of early direct ancestors, or possibly on persons with an ancestral surname living in a time and locale where direct ancestors were known to live.  From that strategic base, the ultimate research focus would generally then become one person or family at a time in succession according to the following.

2) Patiently gather all relevant information before drawing conclusions.  The standard is: a “reasonably exhaustive search” for vital information, facts, and proofs regarding each person and family identified.  Be disciplined to document this information carefully and conscientiously (see #4 below).

3) After all the information has been gathered, carefully and analytically derive meaning and conclusions.

4) Leave a full written trail of your findings, so that those who come after you will know exactly what your sources were and the nature of your conclusions and how they were derived.  Preferably these conclusions would be contained in a personal home genealogical computer data base and/or other personal files.  

5) Create and carry out a plan for dissemination (sharing) of your findings, including adding or updating records in Family Tree, probably to include source references and analysis behind your conclusions (#2 and 3 above).