The Power of Research Planning in Genealogy

In this episode of the Research Like a Pro Genealogy podcast, Nicole and Diana discuss the importance of research planning in genealogy and how AI tools can be used to assist in this process. They emphasize that a thorough research plan helps genealogists stay focused on their objectives, pick up where they left off if their work is interrupted, and approach problems systematically. 

The hosts break down the elements of a research plan, which include the objective, a summary of known facts, a working hypothesis, identified sources, and a prioritized research strategy. They use the case study of researching Isabella Weatherford in Texas in the mid-1800s to illustrate these elements. Diana shares how she used AI tools to transcribe and organize a 57-page widow's pension file for Isabella, create a summary of known facts, and generate a hypothesis. They compare Diana's hypothesis with one generated by AI, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each. 

The hosts also discuss how AI can be used to identify potential sources and prioritize research strategies. They emphasize the importance of verifying AI-generated information against reliable sources and using AI to generate new ideas and perspectives.

This summary was generated by Google Gemini.

Links

Using AI in Research Planning: Isabella Weatherford Project Part 4 - https://familylocket.com/using-ai-in-research-planning-isabella-weatherford-project-part-4/

The Complete Guide to FamilyTreeDNA. Y-DNA, Mitochondrial, Autosomal and X-DNA by Roberta Estes - https://amzn.to/3TdS3IW (affiliate link to Amazon)

Collaborate with Claude on Projects - https://www.anthropic.com/news/projects

RLP 320: Using AI to Find Research Questions and Write Objectives - https://familylocket.com/rlp-320-using-ai-to-find-research-questions-and-write-objectives/

Sponsor – Newspapers.com

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Research Like a Pro Resources

Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer

Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/

Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d

14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/

Research Like a Pro Webinar Series 2024 - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-webinar-series-2024/

Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/

RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/

Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources

Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx

Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/

RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/

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