Create an objective

The best way to get started in any kind of research is to have a research objective. An objective that is clear and concise will help a researcher to remain focused while performing genealogical research.

How to create an objective

 * Identify what you want to know. Ask yourself: What is that you are curious about in your family history? What facts are interested in learning more about?
 * Write down what you want to research.
 * Make your objective short and concise.
 * Have your objective in a place that you can see often to be a reminder of what work needs to be done.

Examples of objectives
 Good examples:  "Prove the relationship between Iva Manini Taulapapa and Faaliga Tiapula. Iva was born in German Samoa around 1914. Faaliga was born in American Samoa, but her birth date is unknown.""Find the birth records of Emma Makaopiopio, and her children""Gather the oral genealogies that remain in my Tupuivao family.""Discover and record the family titles within my Kapopo line.""Better understand what FamilySearch is and the tools available to help me in my genealogy work."These objectives are clear and concise. Because they are specific, it will be easy to stay on task and follow through with other research steps.

 Bad examples: "Do family history research. Any research.""Find names to take to the temple because I really want to do temple work for my ancestors."Though well intentioned, these are bad research objectives. They are too broad. Any information gathered can be considered "research." Plus, it is easy to get side tracked and lose motivation when there is not a clear goal to reach and achieve.

Go to Tip 2: Organize your research by creating a plan for the next step in researching your Pacific Island ancestors!