Standards for Sound Genealogical
Research Recommended by the National Genealogical
Society
Remembering always that they are engaged in the 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 that they have not been
altered, as the basis for their research conclusions
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
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
