Recommended by the Mouse River Loop
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 the evidence. | ||
seek original records, or reproduced images of them when 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. |