FAMILY HISTORY SURVEY April 2011

Methodology

· The Family History Survey was fielded March 12 to April 5 2011. Respondents were self-selecting, linking to the survey from Twitter feeds, genealogy blogs posts, Facebook pages, LinkedIn and email forwards

· 1050 respondents were recorded (I was expecting about 200). 954 respondents completed the survey. Resulting in a 91% completion rate

· A variety of genealogists responded to the survey from the inexperienced to highly proficient. I make no claim to be have a random representative sample. There is a respondent skew towards those more connected via social media.

· Survey completion length was typically 15-20 minutes

· Final survey wording can be found here http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10556467/Questionnaire%20Final.htm

Use of the data

· The data that I publicly post on my blog, Dropbox, LinkedIn, Facebook pages or other such media are for public use, including the data shared in this document.

· The results, data, and questionnaire can be re-posted, re-used, shared, linked to and chewed over as much as you like. Please use the results wisely, do not misrepresent the data or manipulate the results.

· However, I do ask that you please:

o Publicly comment on the data to help build the conclusions for the genealogy community, and encourage others to do the same - I am currently considering the best online venue to host the results and associated discussion. Maybe on the FamilySearch Wiki if someone can get me started. I welcome input.

o Credit me, Myles Proudfoot, and my blog “family history 21ster”, when you reference this work

· For personal access to more sophisticated analysis and data breaks please contact me at familyhistorysurveys@gmail.com

· Please post comment and suggestions on my blog http://familyhistory21ster.blogspot.com/

Why this survey?

· RootsTech 2011 was my 1^st genealogy conference. Curt Witcher's keynote about “millennial genealogists“ got me thinking.

· By trade I am a market researcher with a large consumer goods company. I am naturally curious about people. I have specialized over the years in understanding shopping behavior. I love genealogy. I am moderately tech savvy.

· So I decided to do some “open source” research on the genealogy community

o For the benefit of the community

o And as I also have an ambition to present a paper at RootsTech 2012 based on the conclusions from the survey – we’ll see if it makes the cut and I get through a more sophisticated analysis and segmentation.

· If this works out well, I will consider creating other surveys. But next time I will solicit the help and input from all those who expressed an interest, as the survey design errors were the result of my middle-of-the-road genealogy skills.

· More about me here at LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mylesproudfoot Feel free to friend me

Acknowledgements

· I have been delighted and overwhelmed with the number of responses and intensity of feeling from all the positive and constructive feedback and encouragement. Sincere thanks to the 1050 individuals who took the time to thoughtfully complete the survey

· Special thanks to all the bloggers and enthusiasts who shared the survey link and drove amazing participation. And thanks to the Ancestry Insider Blog for help and permission to use the Genealogical Maturity Model.

Results

Last Modified: 04/12/2011

1. Please select the option that best describes your participation in family history research.

Answer

Response

I am actively doing family history research

892

87.4%

I occasionally do family history research

105

10.3%

I have previously done some family history research

2.3%

I have never done any family history research

0.1%

Total

1,021

100.0%

2. How interested are you in knowing more about your family's lineage and history?

Answer

Response

Not interested at all

0.0%

Somewhat curious

0.9%

Quite interested

3.7%

Very interested

290

28.4%

Addicted

684

67.0%

Total

1,021

100.0%

3. For how many years have you been actively engaged in genealogy in total?

#	Answer	Average Value	Standard Deviation
1	Total number of years I have been doing genealogy	18.5	12.4

4. At what age did you start doing your genealogical research?

#	Answer	Average Value	Standard Deviation
1	Age I started doing genealogy	35.8	14.7

5. The next question is about how you got started in genealogy. What originally sparked your interest in family history research? Check as many as apply

Answer

Television advertising

0.2%

Claiming an inheritance

0.3%

I was adopted

1.8%

Professional interest

3.6%

Television program

3.9%

Finding famous ancestors

4.5%

Birth in the family

5.4%

Free trial on a genealogy website

6.1%

An assignment or project given at school / college / club / scouts etc.

8.0%

Religious interest

8.1%

Understanding family's medical history

9.3%

I retired and had more time available

12.7%

Invited to do family history research by others

14.9%

New technology to aid genealogists

15.4%

Need to understand my ethnic roots

16.8%

Death in the family

16.9%

Preserving memories of a still living relative

20.5%

Other

20.7%

Uncovering the story or people behind family heirlooms

20.9%

Tracing lost relatives

22.6%

Understanding a family connection to historical events

22.8%

Uncovering a family mystery

23.8%

Preserving the memory of a deceased relative

26.6%

Continuing the research others started

31.9%

6. How expert do you consider yourself to be in family history research?

Answer

Response

Entry -- Newly interested in genealogy

1.7%

Emerging -- Emerging knowledge of how to do genealogy

109

10.8%

Practicing -- Usually produce verifiable genealogy conclusions

426

42.1%

Proficient -- Produce verifiably correct genealogies

398

39.3%

Stellar -- Produce well-regarded genealogies

6.1%

Total

1,012

100.0%

Used with permission. The Genealogical Maturity Model is the work of The Ancestry Insider: http://ancestryinsider.blogspot.com

7. Choose the description that best describes your approach to genealogical sources

Answer

Response

I typically rely on already compiled genealogies

0.4%

I mostly rely on already compiled genealogies and online sources

4.5%

I use a limited number of record types and repositories. I mostly rely on online and microfilmed sources

322

32.0%

I use a wide variety of record types. I often contact record custodians to obtain copies of high-quality sources

341

33.9%

I insightfully pursue research at multiple, targeted repositories, making use of a very wide variety of records and record types.

294

29.2%

Total

1,006

100.0%

Used with permission. The Genealogical Maturity Model is the work of The Ancestry Insider: http://ancestryinsider.blogspot.com

8. Are you an amateur/hobbyist, academic, volunteer or professional genealogist?

Answer

Response

Amateur genealogist

672

66.9%

Academic genealogist

5.4%

Volunteer family history consultant

187

18.6%

Professional genealogist

113

11.3%

Not a professional genealogist but I do genealogy as a part of my job

6.0%

9. How often do you do family history research?

Answer

Response

Never

0.1%

Once a Year or Less

1.0%

Several Times a Year

4.4%

Once a Month

2.4%

2-3 Times a Month

8.5%

Once a Week

7.3%

2-3 Times a Week

191

19.1%

4-6 Times a Week

209

20.9%

Daily

363

36.3%

Total

1,000

100.0%

10. Where do you primarily keep your family tree information?

Answer

Response

In an online tree

134

13.4%

On my computer

759

75.8%

On paper

104

10.4%

In my head

0.2%

Nowhere/I don't have a tree

0.2%

Total

1,001

100.0%

11. Thinking further about record keeping, how do you keep notes to track your research and findings?

Answer

Response

I don't keep a record of findings or clues

2.2%

I enter them into my smart phone/tablet

4.0%

I type them onto paper

5.2%

I use pre-formatted paper templates

114

11.5%

I use a digital camera to capture the images

215

21.6%

I keep them online

232

23.3%

I write them freehand in a notebook

351

35.3%

I type them into my computer

707

71.1%

12. Where do you go to do your family history research? Check all that apply

Answer

Response

I stay home

871

87.5%

In public libraries

722

72.6%

At the facilities of genealogical societies

539

54.2%

In an LDS/Mormon Family History Center

540

54.3%

On site where original records are kept

640

64.3%

13. Have you ever attended a family history conference or family history society meeting in person?

Note: This question incorrectly gave respondents only a single-check option, rather than a multi-check option.

Answer

Response

355

35.6%

Yes, as an attendee

488

48.9%

Yes, as an organizer

3.6%

Yes, as a presenter

9.1%

Yes, as a vendor

0.6%

Yes, as a blogger

2.1%

Total

997

100.0%

14. When you make an important discovery in your research, who do you tell, if anyone?

Answer

Response

No one, I keep it to myself

1.9%

I blog about it/post comments online

244

24.5%

I immediately tell family members

710

71.2%

I immediately tell friends or associates

270

27.1%

I eventually tell others

232

23.3%

I haven’t made any important discoveries yet

1.2%

15. How much do you focus on researching only one line of your family tree at a time?

Answer

Response

I focus my research on one or just a few lines of the family tree

192

19.4%

I like to jump around the tree and research wherever I see an opportunity

776

78.2%

Other/Not applicable

2.4%

Total

992

100.0%

16. Have you ever visited the place(s) of origin of your ancestors in order to conduct family history research?

Answer

Response

Yes, once before

126

12.7%

Yes, several times

504

50.7%

No, but I have definite plans to visit one day

107

10.8%

No, but I would like to visit one day

210

21.1%

No, and it's unlikely that I ever will visit

4.8%

Total

995

100.0%

17. Have any living relatives ever helped your research by sharing their memories, oral histories, documents, photos, or stories etc?

Answer

Response

Yes

935

94.0%

No, I have not asked for help

0.4%

No, they have all passed away

3.8%

No, none were willing to help

1.0%

No, other reason

0.8%

Total

995

100.0%

18. Do you actively collaborate with anyone to find your family’s roots?

Answer

Response

I do the research alone

277

27.9%

I collaborate in the research with others, but at a distance

683

68.8%

I do the research with others at the same time and location

3.0%

I have others do the research on my behalf

0.3%

Total

993

100.0%

19. Although you do your research alone, do you wish you could collaborate with others in researching the same family history, or not?

Note: Only respondents selecting "I do the research alone" option from the previous question were asked this question

Answer

Response

Yes, I’d like to have others’ help

152

55.3%

I have no preference

101

36.7%

No, I prefer to keep it to myself

8.0%

Total

275

100.0%

20. Which of the following websites have you used in the past 3 months?

Note: Erratum Only respondents selecting "I do the research alone" option from question 18 were asked this question. An error caused by question order changes in the original questionnaire editing process.

Answer

Response

SearchForAncestors.com

0.4%

AncestorHunt.com

1.1%

FamilyLink.com

3.3%

AccessGenealogy.com

3.6%

MyFamily.com

5.8%

Geni.com

8.0%

Genuki.org.uk

13.5%

MyHeritage.com

13.9%

ScotlandsPeople.gov.uk

13.9%

USGWArchives.net

16.4%

GenealogyBank.com

20.1%

None/Other

25.2%

Genealogy.com

30.7%

CyndisList.com

123

44.9%

FindAGrave.com

175

63.9%

RootsWeb.com

193

70.4%

FamilySearch.org

219

79.9%

Ancestry.com /.co.uk /.ca /.com.au etc.

244

89.1%

21. Do you have any paid subscriptions to genealogy societies or websites?

Answer

Response

One or more paid subscriptions to online family history websites

735

74.1%

One or more paid subscriptions to family history societies

420

42.3%

No, I have let my paid membership(s) lapse

112

11.3%

No, never

8.9%

22. How likely would you be to use any of the following ways to improve your family history research skills?

Note: The higher the mean, the MORE likely use that method to improve skills

#	Question	Very Unlikely	Very Likely	Mean
5	One on one instruction	16.1%	13.4%	3.0
2	Podcasts	17.8%	20.9%	3.1
3	Wikis	14.5%	17.5%	3.2
7	Classroom course	10.3%	22.0%	3.4
1	Online video courses	10.8%	27.1%	3.6
9	Television programs	8.4%	28.9%	3.7
8	Blogs	8.8%	36.5%	3.8
4	Family history conferences	7.4%	32.2%	3.8
6	Books	2.7%	51.7%	4.3

23. This question presents statements relating to genealogy. Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with each statement Note: The HIGHER the mean, the more respondents DISAGREE

#	Question	Strongly Agree	Strongly Disagree	Mean
3	I anticipate spending many years enjoying genealogy	62.9%	0.6%	1.5
23	I regularly spend time doing genealogy	54.7%	0.4%	1.6
32	Online innovation and new technologies are changing genealogy for the better	53.7%	0.2%	1.6
15	I consider myself to be very serious about genealogy	55.8%	0.4%	1.6
19	My focus is on finding out what kind of people my ancestors were and the kind of lives they led	46.2%	0.7%	1.7
28	Genealogy has helped me better appreciate what makes me who I am	42.2%	0.4%	1.8
10	I like telling stories or anecdotes I have discovered about my ancestors	37.6%	0.7%	1.8
11	I really get into the historical context of the time and location I am researching	40.5%	0.5%	1.8
27	Genealogy has had a positive effect on my outlook on life	39.0%	0.4%	1.8
2	I think genealogy is a great way to relax	35.6%	0.4%	1.9
12	Genealogy is an emotional experience for me	35.6%	1.1%	1.9
33	I am concerned with leaving a legacy for future generations	37.0%	0.9%	1.9
14	I am savvy with new technology	29.6%	0.5%	2.0
7	I have specific goals to accomplish in my research	28.8%	0.4%	2.1
6	I like the journey, there is no specific destination	30.5%	2.2%	2.1
4	I want to find as many ancestors as possible	32.6%	3.0%	2.1
26	Genealogy has had a positive effect on my (living) family relationships	29.6%	0.7%	2.1
38	I regularly enjoy reading genealogy blogs	25.1%	1.8%	2.2
29	I actively give back to the genealogy community	27.0%	1.0%	2.2
8	I don’t mind spending long hours searching through microfilms	28.0%	1.8%	2.2
30	I would like to be more involved in the genealogy community	18.9%	1.3%	2.3
31	Being or becoming a member of a genealogy society is important to me	19.7%	3.4%	2.5
21	My research is well organized and methodical	12.8%	1.9%	2.5
37	Paying for access to records is just a reality everyone has to get accustomed to	16.4%	3.6%	2.5
35	I am well traveled	18.3%	4.2%	2.6
13	I'm always one of the first to access newly available records	14.0%	2.4%	2.6
16	I consider myself to be a recreational family historian	15.5%	9.0%	2.6
25	I am concerned about the low level of some people’s genealogy skills	19.2%	5.9%	2.6
9	I like telling people about how far back I can trace my ancestors	16.9%	5.3%	2.7
36	I wish my spouse/partner were more involved in family history	11.4%	3.8%	2.7
20	Genealogy is deceptively difficult	11.1%	8.2%	2.9
34	I have lived in many different places	15.9%	15.5%	3.0
22	My main focus is to solve a family mystery	7.9%	7.1%	3.1
18	My focus is on adding names and dates to my family tree	8.3%	11.3%	3.1
1	I like to add ancestors to my tree more than researching their life stories	2.0%	18.9%	3.7
5	I only do my research online	3.4%	27.4%	3.8
24	I just dabble in genealogy now and then	1.1%	50.6%	4.3
17	For me genealogy is more of a duty than a pleasure	1.4%	51.4%	4.3

Note: The HIGHER the mean, the more respondents DISAGREE

24. Have you personally taken any DNA testing for genealogy purposes?

Answer

Response

Yes

203

20.8%

774

79.2%

Total

977

100.0%

25. If you have any old photos, documents or artifacts, how do you store them?

Answer

Response

In the attic/loft

1.1%

In the basement

2.5%

I do not have any old photos, documents or artifacts

3.8%

Somewhere else

152

15.6%

In a cabinet or cupboard

250

25.6%

On display in frames or display cases

317

32.5%

In archival quality covers/containers

429

44.0%

In regular boxes or files

494

50.6%

26. If you have scanned any family photos or documents, where do you store the scanned images?

Answer

Response

Not scanned any images for genealogy purposes

7.3%

I keep the scanned images online

309

31.8%

I keep the scanned images on a computer

884

90.9%

27. What record types do you usually use in your research?

Answer

Other

37.1%

Schools, Directories & Church Histories

53.7%

Court, Governmental & Criminal Records

53.7%

Parish Records

62.3%

Citizenship & Naturalization Records

66.8%

Land Records

69.7%

Wills & Probate

75.1%

Passenger Lists

78.3%

Military Records

85.2%

Cemetery & Obituaries

95.7%

Marriage & Divorce

97.0%

Birth, Baptism & Christening

97.2%

Census Records

98.7%

Death & Burial

98.8%

28. When do you usually do your family history research?

Answer

During the day

62.1%

Evenings

74.5%

Weekdays

48.8%

Weekends

64.3%

On vacation

31.9%

During public holidays

23.6%

At family gatherings

24.3%

During special occasions

10.2%

29. What, if any, social networking services do you use?

Answer

Response

None

192

19.9%

Twitter

268

27.8%

Facebook

737

76.4%

MySpace

3.3%

275

28.5%

Bebo

0.2%

FourSquare

2.3%

Other

106

11.0%

30. Have you ever presented a printed family tree or research as a gift?

Answer

Response

Yes

528

54.2%

No, and no plans to

168

17.2%

No, but would like to

278

28.5%

Total

974

100.0%

31 & 32. Which of the following devices do you own? Which do you use for family history research?

#	Answer	Own	Use for genealogy
1	Desktop computer	80.5%	72.0%
2	Laptop computer	78.7%	72.7%
3	Smart phone (iPhone, Android, Blackberry etc.)	33.9%	20.0%
4	Tablet (iPad etc.)	10.3%	8.2%
5	Scanner	88.9%	81.5%
6	Digital camera	89.7%	76.7%
7	GPS-enabled device	38.0%	19.9%

33. Thinking about your ability to use the internet in general, would you say you are…?

Answer

Response

Expert internet user

325

33.5%

Proficient internet user

475

49.0%

Intermediate internet user

158

16.3%

Beginner internet user

1.1%

No knowledge at all

0.0%

Total

969

100.0%

34. Do you work/volunteer for a family history company, organization or society, or not?

Answer

Response

Yes

378

39.0%

592

61.0%

Total

970

100.0%

35. Have you ever hired a professional genealogist?

Note: Sample size lower as question added after start of survey fieldwork

Answer

Response

Yes

226

27.2%

606

72.8%

Total

832

100.0%

36. Are you an active genealogy blogger, or not?

Note: Sample size lower as question added after start of survey fieldwork

Answer

Response

Yes

193

23.1%

641

76.9%

Total

834

100.0%

37. In your family history research have you ever experienced an uncanny coincidence, serendipity or 'miracle' that led to a meaningful discovery or breakthrough?

Answer

Response

Yes

703

72.6%

265

27.4%

Total

968

100.0%

38. Do you believe in life after death?

Answer

Response

Yes

490

50.9%

188

19.5%

Not sure

284

29.5%

Total

962

100.0%

DEMOGRAPHICS

39. What is your gender?

Answer

Response

Male

228

23.7%

Female

733

76.3%

Total

961

100.0%

40. What is your age?

#	Answer	Average Value	Standard Deviation
1	Age	56.15	12.98

41. What is your current marital status?

Answer

Response

Rather not say

5.2%

Single

108

11.1%

Married

618

63.8%

Living with another

4.6%

Separated

1.1%

Divorced

7.5%

Widowed

6.6%

Total

969

100.0%

42. What is the national origin of your ancestors?

Answer

African American/African

1.5%

American

36.2%

Australian

0.9%

Canadian

26.1%

Chinese

0.0%

Dutch

15.8%

English

71.9%

Filipino