The objective of this course is to teach you how to make an effective research plan and how to establish proof in your research. It builds on the skills learned during the basic and other intermediate level Methodology Courses.

This course considers in depth the many possibilities and pitfalls involved in proving your family history in a professional manner. The first two modules on Theory concentrates on the meaning of proof in genealogy, delves deeply into sources, information, and evidence, and concludes with construction of hypotheses and theories. The third and fourth modules are involved with Technique including pedigree analysis, family reconstruction, use of indexes, negative proof, documentation and the phenomena of serendipity and intuition. The final modules are devoted to Problem Solving where we learn how to deal with problems with starting information, assumptions, problems with records, conflicting evidence, name changes, finding the right location, migration, age problems, illegitimacy, bigamy and other marital anomalies, female ancestors, and the disappearance of paupers. This comprehensive treatment prepares the student for the research process and writing out the research results and conclusion of analysis to establish proof.