Family history frequently presents research problems. While online sources make information more accessible, interpreting that information can be a challenge. That challenge can be made easier if you have a systematic process and tools for solving genealogy research problems.
Genealogy research process
Firstly, make sure that you are following the five-step research cycle.
Research process steps:
- Identify your aims, objectives, research questions and hypotheses
- Scope to review the state of knowledge about your topic and the sources available
- Identify the information needed and the sources that may provide that information
- Conduct research
- Review
If you need more information about the research process, check the articles on the Plan page and Chapter 2 of my book, The Good Genealogist.
Genealogy research problem solving process and tools
This research process works well in most situations. However, sometimes you need to add a problem solving process. And you need tools to help you with each step.
Step 1 – Clarify
Revisit step 1 of the research process to review your research questions and hypotheses.
Make sure that your questions sit under relevant aims and objectives. Aims and objectives provide important context for your questions. They help clarify why the questions need to be answered and may even demonstrate that your questions need to change.
Try wording the questions differently. If you are not already working with hypotheses, generate some for each research question.
Tool:
- Write a problem statement to clarify the research problem.
Step 2 – Scope
Revisit step 2 of the research process and re-scope the problem.
Examine the sources and information again. Analyse your conclusions and the evidence. Consider whether the conclusions are reasonable and defensible. Examine whether there are gaps or inconsistencies that you missed the first time.
Tools:
- Revise your scoping paper if you already have one, or write one if you do not.
- Try transcribing key sources. This may help you notice details that you missed when reading.
- Apply the Tree Health Assessment Tool to your tree. If you have already created the chart version, now create a table version examining more of the information in your tree.
- Revise the evidence summaries for relevant conclusions (aka proof summaries), or write some if you do not have any. (see The Good Genealogist)
Step 3 – Fix
Research problems often occur as a result of errors made in previous research.
You must have a Solid Foundation. Identify any errors, inaccuracies or weaknesses in your family tree and fix them.
Tools:
- The Tree Health Assessment Tool will help you identify errors.
- Check the tips and tools listed in my article, Create an accurate family tree by fixing errors
Step 4 – Analyse
Analysis and more analysis!
Critical analysis is important throughout the research process. However, thinking of it as a separate step reminds you to do it more consciously and thoroughly.
Try breaking your research problem into smaller chunks. Tackle smaller pieces of the problem instead of the whole, and you may get closer to an answer.
Examine possible causes of your research problem. This may help you identify tactics to employ.
Analyse all of the information, sources and evidence more thoroughly and more objectively. Examine what other researchers have concluded about your research problem.
Tools:
- Mind mapping is a great tool for breaking down problems, identifying gaps and highlighting inconsistencies.
- A timeline is an essential analytical tool for all genealogy research problems.
Step 5 – Identify
Identify research leads.
Sources that you may not have examined before. Repositories you have not tried. Inconsistencies that should be resolved.
Identify extended family, friends, associates and neighbours (FFANs). Sources about these people may supply information relevant to your research questions.
Consider alternative explanations. Generate a wider range of hypotheses to explore.
Tools:
- see tools listed in step 4
- Revise your research plan if you already have one, or write one if you do not.
Step 6 – Investigate
Implement your research plan, investigate all research leads.
Update your documentation as you work, including relevant evidence summaries and your research plan. The process of documentation will help your analysis.
Problem solving method
There are three important things to keep in mind when solving family history research problems.
Do it again!
The research process and the problem solving process are both cyclic. You need to keep repeating the steps until you are finished.
Each time you revisit a problem or a source, you may notice something new.
Do things differently!
No problem is solved by continually doing things the same way. You must force yourself do something differently each time.
Do things more thoroughly!
Tough problems take time to solve. Pay attention to the details. Develop your analytical skills.
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