The Deduction v. Induction in Genealogical Research: Applying Logic Theory to Family History

This presentation looks at the types of proof used to assess the validity of findings in the field of family history research.  The differences between original (primary) research and hearsay (secondary) accounts will be clarified, as will the benefits of using the Genealogical Proof Standard.  A discussion of the fallacies of reasoning and how they are often used in the field of genealogy, often perpetuating errors, is included.  As time allows, this will also cover using family stories and legends in doing genealogical research and how to weigh them against documented evidence to assess what data is most accurate. 

Jean Wilcox Hibben

A native of the Chicago suburbs & former Board Certified genealogist, I now reside in So. Cal. where I was a college professor for 13 years, teaching Speech Communication, retiring to pursue my passions: family history & folklore (with doctorate in the latter). I am a national speaker, the former Director of the Corona (CA) Family History Center, President & webmaster of the Corona Gen. Soc., & Past-President of the So. Calif. Chapter of APG. I've also been on the boards of the Gen'l Speakers Guild, Internat'l Soc. of Family History Writers & Editors, & APG. I was the Lead researcher for the first season of Genealogy Roadshow. I write the "Aunty Jeff" column for the Informer, the newsletter of the Jefferson County, NY, Gen. Soc. I am part of Genealogy Journeys® producing podcasts on Social History.

The General Meeting will start at 12:00 pm Pacific time and will be led by our President, Karen Smith. If you register for this event, you will receive an email reminder containing a link to the meeting three days before the event. If you are not receiving the invitations, please contact Karen Smith at:

presidentofcvgs@gmail.com

Admission is free for up to 100 participants so register early.  A handout will be available and sent to all society members.