Evidence Toolbox

What is a negative search result?

It’s an intentional, bounded search in a specific source, using defined parameters, that yields no positive evidence.

Why document negative searches?

Because they show what has already been examined and ruled out. They can significantly strengthen reasoning and proof arguments. You can learn more in the article Negative Searches: Why “Not Finding It” Still Matters.

What makes a negative search meaningful?

The following factors impact the significance and meaning of a negative search.

• The source has to be relevant. Searching a New England vital records index for an ancestor who never left Virginia isn’t a negative search — it’s a misfire. The source needs to be one where the person plausibly should appear.
• The coverage has to be reasonably complete. A negative search in a source with known gaps, missing issues, or partial digitization is a much weaker finding than one in a source with comprehensive coverage. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t search incomplete sources — but the documentation needs to reflect what the source covers.
• The search strategy has to be reasonable. If you only checked one spelling, skipped the obvious variants, or applied a date filter that may have been too narrow, the negative result may be a result of your choices rather than the record. A strategy that was too restricted can result in what could be called an incomplete search.
• The person should plausibly appear. This is the analytical piece that supports methodical research. Ask yourself: if my hypothesis is correct, would this event normally be recorded here? Would this person have been in this jurisdiction at this time? Is there a plausible reason for non-appearance even if they were? Thinking through these questions before you search can help give a negative result analytical weight.

Do you save my searches?

Not on our end. Your session data is stored locally in your browser’s cache.

What is meant by “Save Session to File” and “Clear Session Cache”?

When using the tool during a research session, each search is temporarily stored in your browser’s cache. “Save Session to File” lets you download those searches as a text file. “Clear Session Cache” removes the stored searches from your browser — useful after saving your results, before starting a new session, or for privacy when using a shared computer.

What else should I know?

If you don’t include a “searched on” or “accessed on” date, the tool automatically defaults to today’s date. This makes it easier to use the tool as a real-time research companion. You can always edit the date later in your saved text file if you need to adjust or refine the statement.

Is this format Evidence Explained compliant?

The tool produces structured statements consistent with Evidence Explained citation principles and BCG documentation standards. You may adapt the output as needed for your specific source or situation.