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Resolving Issues With Conflicting Data                Published Monthly
Lesson 047...                                                                                                            2019 09 01

Defining The Problem...
Rapid data collection and the publication thereof are usually the foremost/primary factors of bad data.
This does not mean or include items clearly shown as "estimated" or "about" are incorrect.

The haste responsible could have happened at any of several information intake points.
From the original record, to the transcriptural method and the subsequent copy/pasting of errors.

Regardles of when, where or who, the determining factor is that someone(s) did not properly verify.
The lack of proper verification is always at the root of any bad data transcription.

Improper verification is but a minor variation that very nearly equals the complete lack of verification.
It happens frequently when data is checked against reports rather than sources.
An example would be to believe gossip vs. a witness.

Looking deeper we might ask "Why are family trees not properly verified?".
Those issues may vary between tree owners and range from time, cost or abilty/knowhow.
Knowing that the verification process is critical is the first step. Knowing how to verify makes it right.


How Did That Happen?...
Generally, the above mentioned not knowing to, or knowing how to are the predominate reasons.
For those of us who know better, it can also be because of a misplaced trust in others.
Or it may be we've become locked into a race to record more names.

Another possible reason is that the data was originally recorded or stored improperly.
From language barrier to faded ink, bad penmanship and lack of script sense!
These are far more common than most people can ever imagine!

Incorrect parents are seen on many official documents in effort to include second spouses as family.
Usually these occur on marriage and death records as the parents, sometimes unknowingly.
A child may have been adopted, or a parent re-marry after a spouse passed.

Regardless of the method, the bottom line is that the data was not verified and/or sourced properly.
Temporary data (Fluid/Transitional) may be acceptable at times until a better source is found.
It's important however, to give notice to users that the information is not yet verified.


What Can We Do To Fix This?...
There are two methods commonly used by researchers of various degrees or levels.
The first is to gather a rough-draft hierarchy, then start to verify each, while the other is the reverse.

Whether you copy/paste your information from other trees or find it by document only doesn't matter.
You can automatically verify by following the documents, or you can find documents as proof.
The key is that you are constantly moving toward an actual document verification.

In the first concept we fill a tree to an abstract idea of "enough", then we begin to find documents.
The problem with this method is that one wrong person can negate the entire hierarchy.
Even if this occurrs, they may still connect elsewhere-so never delete them!

The latter really doesn't need anything further as it incorporates its own "checks and balances".
Never be totaly dependant on only a single piece of documentation as proof.
Verifying as you go is also slower, so we need to accept that.

Always use multiple documents for redundancy/co-oberation.
Additionally, the earlier documents may be a bit more "factual" in nature.
During research, earlier censuses may show relationships as "Step-son" vs. "Son".


Where Can We Find The Lost Data?...
Depending on the particular issue, there are several primary documents for researchers choose from.
As always, census, birth, marriage and death records are the primary method of choice.
These usually include close kinships, but leave many large gaps between.

If the issue is more of a certain placement at a given time, other documentation may be necessary.
Helpful items may include letters, receipts, tax bills, or photographs in known times/locations.
Another persons obituary may help locate the relative elsewhere, but is just "hearsay".

For the most part, census records will fill-in most of the important data blanks for you.
Another important type of record for immigration/emmigration are ships manifests.
Not all transcribers read script well, so you may want to get your own set here.

Your own style tree will lead you to the other proper documents if something unusual is needed.
Remember that if it was a taxable venture, there's a record of it somewhere in the world.
For best results, stick to the basics until you have a firmer understanding of records.


What Did We Learn From This?...
Verification is the key to accuracy, and there is no substitution for official documentation.
Additionally, be aware that the "fly in the ointment" can be in-accurate original data.

Poorly written or mis-recorded documents are always a risk along with omissions and yes-lies.
Bad data happens on documents for any of several reasons. Incompetance is but one.
Marriage ages, census ages, real estate prices, and more-The reasons vary!

The basics are best for most needs and are generally regarded with a high level of trust.
Using these as sources for your tree will in turn create a higher trust level by those who view it.
Here's a quicklist of trusted records: Birth, Marriage, Death, Census, Pension Payments, Ship Manifest.

It's important that you're comfortable using whichever method or approach you choose.
When all is said and done, whether the chicken or the egg came first is of little matter to us.
The critical factor is that the end result is supported and substantiated by several document types.

For these and more reasons/factors, it's important to have several documents supporting each other.
Documents about taxable items are kept by all countries. Proper transcriptions are the issue.
Your own CD copies may help avoid future various reason website lockout problems.


The Basic Rules...
First...
Verify each piece of data from credible sources.
Use several sources in conjunction with each other for co-oberation.

Second...
Research the conflicting document like you would any other.
Understand that even "official documents" can be wrong-for many reasons!

Third...
Slow down and enjoy the ride! The job takes what the job takes.
We search for truth, not for documents. The joy is in the journey, not in the arrival!



As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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