Remembering always that they are engaged in the quest for truth, family history researchers consistently:<\/p>\n
RECORD<\/strong> the source for each item of information they collect<\/p>\n TEST<\/strong> every hypothesis or theory against credible evidence and reject those that are not supported by the evidence<\/p>\n SEEK<\/strong> original records, or reproduced images of them when there is reasonable assurance that they have not been altered, as the basis for their research conclusions<\/p>\n STATE<\/strong> something as a fact only when it is supported by convincing evidence and identify the evidence when communicating a fact to others<\/p>\n LIMIT<\/strong> with words like “probable” or “possible” any statement that is based on less than convincing evidence and state the reasons for concluding that it is probable or possible<\/p>\n AVOID<\/strong> misleading other researchers by either intentionally or carelessly distributing or publishing inaccurate information<\/p>\n RECOGNIZE<\/strong> the collegial nature of genealogical research by making their work available to others through publication, or by placing copies in appropriate libraries or repositories, and by welcoming critical comment<\/p>\n CONSIDER<\/strong> with open minds new evidence or the comments of others on their work and the conclusions they have reached<\/p>\n