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The National Genealogical Society (NGS)
promulgated a set of "Standards for Sound Genealogical Research" in their March
1998 issue (Volume 86, Number 1, Page 50). By permission granted by the NGS, these
standards are presented below.
Standards
for Sound Genealogical Research
Recommended by
the National Genealogical Society
Remembering always
that they are engaged in a quest for truth, family history researchers consistently --
Test every
hypothesis or theory against credible evidence and reject those
that are not supported by the evidence.
Seek original
records, or reproduced images of them when there is
reasonable assurance that 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 a 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.
Copyright 1997
by the National Genealogical Society. Permission is granted to copy or publish this
material, provided it is reproduced in its entirety, including this notice.
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