ProofTrail Research Foundations · Module 1
Genealogy begins with a question, not a pile of names. A focused question gives every search, record, and conclusion a purpose.
What you will be able to do
- Turn a broad interest into one answerable research question.
- Separate known information from assumptions and unknowns.
- Choose a first action that can produce relevant evidence.
Why this matters
Random searching produces collections. Focused searching produces an investigation that another person can understand and repeat.
Build an answerable question
Name the person or relationship, the event or identity you are testing, the relevant place, and a useful time range. “Research the Williams family” is broad. “Was Sarah Williams, who married in Ashton County in 1912, the daughter of Robert Williams?” is testable.
Begin with the known
Record what is already documented, where it came from, and what remains uncertain. A family statement is valuable information, but it does not become a fact merely because it is repeated.
Move from known to unknown
Choose the closest reliable point and work outward. Search for a source that could answer the question, then let the result determine the next action rather than forcing the result into the starting story.
Use it in ProofTrail
- Open Cases and select New Investigation.
- Enter a neutral title and the specific question in What specifically are you trying to prove, identify, or resolve?
- After the case opens, confirm the question on Overview, add the Case Subject in People, and record one next action.
- Do not create a relationship as confirmed unless the current evidence supports it.
Practice with the fictional Williams case
Practice data only: Sarah, Robert, every record, place, and DNA comparison in this exercise are fictional.
Create “The Williams Question.” Use the canonical question about Sarah and Robert. Record the 1912 marriage as the starting point, note that Sarah’s birth record has not been found, and set retrieval of the 1900 household as the first action.
Common mistakes
- Starting with an entire surname or ancestry line.
- Treating a copied tree or family story as established fact.
- Searching many databases without recording the question or result.
- Trying to prove a preferred answer instead of testing alternatives.
Check your understanding
1. Is “Who are my ancestors?” a usable case question?
Check answer
It is a valid interest but too broad for one investigation. Narrow it to one person, relationship, event, place, and time range.
2. What should determine the next search?
Check answer
The focused question, the evidence already available, and the most important remaining gap.
Create the work product
A ProofTrail case with a focused question, documented starting information, explicit unknowns, and one prioritized next action.
Completion standard
Another researcher can identify what is being tested, what is already known, what is only claimed, and what should happen next.
Continue the investigation
Continue with the gathering and case-setup lessons before searching widely.
Written lesson version 2.1. Optional video fields are available for a future captioned video and transcript. The written lesson remains the complete instructional source.