Determining accuracy of information
Remember that you can't believe everything that you read. It is important to evaluate the source and the possibilities for inaccuracies. Below are a few things to keep in mind.
1. When you find new information for your family tree, check for inconsistencies. One example is the case where two children in the same family were born on dates that were impossibly close together. (However, keep double dates in mind.) For an explanation of double dates, see the topic Dangerous dates.
2. When you suspect problems, try to verify the information using other documents. Most genealogical information can be found in more than one place, so take the time to check other documents out.
3. Think about when the record was created. Records that were made at the time of the event are more likely to be correct than sources that were made several years later. For example, birth dates are often listed on death certificates, but you are more likely to get the correct date if you find it on a birth certificate.