A stalled search often involves scope, coverage or identity. Return to proven facts before searching every website.
The method, step by step
- Write one question and list consulted records with places, dates, collections and name variants. A negative result only means something when its scope is known.
- Reread images supporting the last certain generation. Look for date errors, same-name places or overlooked witnesses and annotations.
- Expand one dimension at a time: period, nearby place or source type. Study siblings, partners and neighbours to reconstruct the network.
- Prepare a precise repository request with identity, question, reference and completed searches. Log the reply and choose a next step instead of repeating queries.
What to record
Write down what would change your conclusion: another marriage, an exact birthplace or an incompatible date. Rank leads by how well they distinguish candidates. Stop repeating an unchanged query in the same collection.
Record in your research log
- Question
- attempted sources
- identified gap
- hypothesis to test.
Frequently asked questions
How do I record an unsuccessful search?
Record portal, collection, place, period, variants, filters and pages. Separate no result, out-of-scope collection and inaccessible records. These support different conclusions.
Sources & references
- National Archives and Records Administration ↗ (Resource review date : )
- FamilySearch Research Wiki ↗ (Resource review date : )