5 steps to rock-solid research

Of all the things I’ve learned throughout my years of family history research, the one skill I wish I’d known from the beginning is how to use the Genealogical Proof Standard. The Genealogical Proof Standard, or GPS, is a simple five-step process that can be used during our family history research to make sure our family tree is as correct and complete as we can make it. It helps us to avoid jumping to conclusions or leading ourselves astray, or even prevents us from researching someone else’s family in our eagerness to add generations to our family tree. 

What are the five steps?

The Genealogical Proof Standard takes us through the research process in five straightforward steps and can be used over and over again as each new piece of evidence comes to light.

1 Reasonably exhaustive search

2 Source citations

3 Analysis 

4 Conflict resolution

5 Written conclusions