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AI as Partner, Not Replacement: Human-Led Research Planning in the Sally Keaton Case

Nicole Elder Dyer
Jan 7, 2026
1.1K views
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Free through January 14, 2026
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Syllabus
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Content

Play. Playing.
Welcome
1m 40s
Play. Playing.
Introduction
5m 16s
Play. Playing.
AI and Research Planning
13m 31s
Play. Playing.
Sally (Keaton) Reeves Case
6m 50s
Play. Playing.
Review of Known Information
11m 01s
Play. Playing.
Reviewing All Documents
4m 33s
Play. Playing.
Final Research Plan
9m 45s
Play. Playing.
Prioritizes Strategy
4m 21s
Play. Playing.
Announcements / prize
1m 21s
Play. Playing.
Questions / answers
1m 34s

About this webinar

This lecture explores how modern AI tools can assist genealogical research planning through the case of Sally Keaton, where the objective was to identify her children using limited historical records and DNA evidence. The presentation demonstrates how to structure effective research plans with AI assistance, covering essential elements including clear objectives, summaries of known facts, working hypotheses, identified sources, and prioritized strategies. Using Sally Keaton’s case as the central example, the lecture showcases practical AI tools, such as side-by-side editors: Canvas (ChatGPT and Gemini) and Artifacts (Claude); also advanced capabilities including reasoning models and organizational tools like ChatGPT’s Projects, Claude’s Projects, Perplexity’s Spaces, and Gemini Gems. While AI can create research plans on its own, human-AI collaboration produces better results. When researchers guide and refine AI-generated strategies instead of using fully automated planning, they achieve more accurate results.

Discount code: deepdive15 (valid at Familytreewebinars.com)

Valid through: January 14, 2026

About the speaker

About the speaker

Nicole Elder Dyer
Nicole Dyer is a professional genealogist specializing in Southern United States research and genetic genealogy. She is the creator of FamilyLocket.com and the Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast. She co-authored Research Like a Pro: A Genealogi
Learn more...

Comments (60)

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  1. CW
    Cynthia Ward
    9 hours ago

    Very good, I came in in the middle of it so I will have to watch it again.

    Reply
  2. DC
    Dawn Carlile
    9 hours ago

    Excellent!

    Reply
  3. MB
    Marsha Brown
    9 hours ago

    This webinar was so on point for me. I am researching my maternal side in the same area. I must listen again.

    Reply
  4. CC
    Christine Cohen
    9 hours ago

    Very great step by step instructions

    Reply
  5. BL
    Beverly Leeming
    9 hours ago

    Wow, a great comparison of hypothesis research plans, and what to consider.

    Reply
  6. CL
    Clara Lawver
    9 hours ago

    Wonderful. Thank you Nicole for the excellent syllabus that you followed to a T. Very helpful to me as you verified some of the practices I had done in the past.

    Reply
  7. BK
    Beth Karner
    9 hours ago

    I loved that she gave examples from her personal family tree to backup how a search by her vs. AI works. She gave some wonderful information and good examples of what AI sources to use for genealogical research. Thank you!

    Reply
  8. JH
    John Harrison
    9 hours ago

    Nicole provides a thorough and helpful presentation of tips and great understanding by placing them in useful and recognized context.

    Reply
Show all comments

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