Research Method
The FOBA research method is evidence-led, correction-friendly, and privacy-safe. It helps readers distinguish sourced records, historical interpretation, community memory, oral tradition, spiritual interpretation, DNA leads, and claims needing more review.
Method steps
- Write the claim plainly. Avoid loaded wording until the source trail is clear.
- Name the source type. Public record, map, archaeology, scholarly summary, oral history, community memory, spiritual interpretation, or DNA lead.
- Anchor the place. Identify rivers, roads, towns, counties, archives, churches, schools, cemeteries, and boundary changes.
- Separate support from interpretation. Say what the evidence supports, what remains debated, and what sources should be reviewed next.
- Protect living people. Redact private details, avoid personal contact information, and use pseudonyms when helpful.
- Invite correction. Use Community Notes and Fact Check requests when wording needs review.
Claim review frame
What the claim says
Write the claim in one plain sentence before adding interpretation.
What evidence supports
Name the records, maps, archaeology, oral-history notes, or scholarly summaries that can be checked.
What remains debated
Mark interpretation, community memory, spiritual reading, or open questions honestly.
Recommended wording
Use careful wording that does not certify identity, ancestry, tribe, legal status, DNA conclusions, or community membership.
Recommended wording
Use language such as “the record supports,” “the source suggests,” “community memory holds,” “this remains debated,” or “citation needed.” Avoid language that certifies identity, tribe, legal status, descent, DNA conclusions, or community membership.