When is not finding a record nothing, and when does it signify something? Information that is not where you expect it to be may yield important evidence for your research question. Understanding the purpose of a source — who and what it records, and why — will help you determine if the missing person or event is negative evidence or merely a negative search. A series of examples demonstrate methodologies used to create something out of nothing.
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What a terrific presentation. I took lots of notes and look forward to asking the question, “why not?”. Thank you
I’m sure that being introduced to the concept of negative evidence is going to help me find the information I have been searching for my great grandfather.
so far above my level, but really great to aspire too! Thanks!
This webinar was so well organized and informative. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
The presenter obviously knew her material well, but this is a difficult topic to present clearly. I greatly appreciated the distinction between a negative search, negative findings, and negative evidence. The syllabus will be helpful to review the material and, hopefully, gain a better grasp of what does and does not qualify as negative evidence.
I was glad to be reminded to think “negatively”, for the absence of proof drives us too hard at times in our mission to fill in an evidence void with weak “positive” proof. Excellent presentation.
The presentation was excellent and showed the value of thinking creatively and of being very precise and organized in genealogical research.
Denise Cross was well prepared to present this, great examples and the time went by so fast!