Methods
When Two Sources Disagree
This field note is part of the FOBA learning stream. It is meant to orient readers and point toward better source work.
Key points
- A disagreement is not a failure. It is often the moment when the research gets more honest.
- Dates, spellings, ages, place names, relationships, and labels can disagree because of memory, translation, clerical choices, power, language, and later copying.
- The site should show disagreement with calm labels instead of forcing a premature conclusion.
Next steps
- List both sources with creator, date, purpose, and exact wording.
- Ask which source is closer to the event and which source is repeating later memory.
- Use open, disputed, citation needed, or corrected labels until the evidence supports stronger wording.
Source trail
- FOBA Claim Review – Internal framework for labeling disputed and open claims.