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Methodology and Skills Evidence

Help! How do I separate genealogical fact from fiction?

Carol Baxter
Oct 12, 2023
953 views
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Content

Play. Playing.
Welcome
1m 29s
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Speaker's Introduction
1m 04s
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Introduction
8m 31s
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Old Terminology
5m 25s
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What is a Source?
10m 28s
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Secondary Sources
14m 54s
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Using the Expanded Chart
13m 13s
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Indirect Evidence
4m 43s
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Negative Evidence
14m 23s
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Announcements / prizes
6m 29s
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Closing
2m 57s

About this webinar

We sit at our computer searching for information about our ancestors and … click … we find something new and intriguing. But wait: it contradicts something else we’ve found. Clearly, both pieces of information can’t be true. So which is true and which isn’t? Or are both untrue? HELP! Until recently, most researchers developed their evidence-analysis skills by a process of trial-and-error. Unfortunately, many researchers have erred more than tried and seem to be the ones most prolific in publishing the results of their “research” on the internet. Yet these errors can prove disastrous, gobbling up our precious time and money as we search in the wrong place – or worse, as we pursue the wrong ancestral line. So how do we ensure that our conclusions are accurate? This seminar will show you how to evaluate our ancestral information – that is, how to weight each piece of information to determine its accuracy – using a clear, logical, easy-to-follow system. After learning these skills you’ll easily be able to determine which information is reliable and which is like a virus that can destroy all your hard work.

About the speaker

About the speaker

Carol Baxter
Carol Baxter is an experienced and informed historian and genealogist, an internationally-acclaimed, award-winning author, and a dynamic, inspirational presenter. Carol has been a genealogist for four decades having first become interested
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Comments (60)

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  1. PF
    Patricia Franklin
    7 months ago

    So very informative! I think this is one of the best webinars I’ve participated in! Thank you for sharing your expertise so clearly.

    Reply
  2. HR
    Heather Rautio
    7 months ago

    The content was spot on the delivery was very engaging. The expanded source, information, and evidence charts are a great help! Her explanations and illustrations are terrific, as usual.

    Reply
  3. BB
    Brian Boneham
    7 months ago

    Absolutely must watch again webinar, extending the roll of the investigation of various types of evidence when researching ancestors.

    Reply
  4. BA
    Beverly Anderson
    7 months ago

    Informative.

    Reply
  5. LS
    Lisa Sanderson-Jacks
    7 months ago

    I was having trouble with the difference between distinguishing between the sources. But with Carol Baxter’s explanation and charts, it finally clicked. Her expanded sources chart is excellent.

    Reply
  6. JN
    Jill Nock
    7 months ago

    Fantastic explanation of sources, information, and evidence. This is a must-watch!

    Reply
  7. JH
    Jacqueline Herring
    7 months ago

    Information was great but there was so much I became a little confused. I am grateful I can watch this webinar again to clarify the parts I missed. Great tips though!

    Reply
  8. CS
    Cindy Suda
    7 months ago

    Love the charts! Thank you!!! 😀

    Reply
Show all comments

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