Draft 1:
“Lumper” and “Splitter” are terms used in genealogy to describe two different approaches to citing sources:
Lumpers take a broad approach to defining sources. They tend to group related documents or records into a single source[1][2]. For example, a lumper might create one source for “1910 US Federal Census” that covers all census records from that year.
Splitters take a more granular approach. They create separate sources for individual documents or records[1][2]. A splitter would likely create a unique source for each specific census page or household entry.
The key differences between these approaches are:
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Number of sources: Lumpers have fewer, broader sources while splitters have more, specific sources[1][2].
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Level of detail: Lumpers put more detailed information in the citation, while splitters put more detail in the source itself[4].
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Ease of correction: Splitters argue their approach makes it easier to correct errors, as details are centralized in one source record[4]. Lumpers may need to update multiple citations if errors are found.
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Reusability: Lumped sources can be reused more easily across multiple citations, while split sources are more specific to individual facts or people[2].
Applying these approaches to Gramps’ hierarchical system:
Lumper approach in Gramps:
- Repository: Could represent a broad category like “US Federal Census Records”
- Source: Might be “1910 US Federal Census”
- Citation: Would contain specific details like state, county, enumeration district, page number, and household information
Splitter approach in Gramps:
- Repository: Could still be “US Federal Census Records”
- Source: Might be more specific, like “1910 US Federal Census, New York, Kings County, ED 1234”
- Citation: Would contain minimal additional information, mostly linking to the specific source
Both approaches can work within Gramps’ structure. Lumpers would have fewer sources but more detailed citations, while splitters would have more sources with less information in each citation. The choice between lumping and splitting often comes down to personal preference and specific research needs[1][2][4].
Citations:
[1] https://www.fhug.org.uk/kb/kb-article/citing-sources-method-1-and-method-2/
[2] https://news.legacyfamilytree.com/legacy_news/2014/12/lumpers-vs-splitters.html
[3] Source Lumping vs. Extreme Splitting - RootsMagic - RootsMagic Community
[4] FH7 : Using Evidence Explained Style - Family Historian User Group
[5] Lumper source template for online databases - RootsMagic - RootsMagic Community
Draft 2 Rewrite:
Definitions of “Lumper” and “Splitter”
Lumper and Splitter are terms used in genealogy to describe different approaches to organizing and citing sources:
- Lumper: A lumper consolidates related documents or records into a single source. For example, all records from the “1910 US Federal Census” might be grouped together as one source.
- Splitter: A splitter creates separate sources for each individual document or record. For example, each specific page or household entry from the “1910 US Federal Census” would be a distinct source.
Relation to Citing Sources in Genealogy
In genealogy, citing sources accurately is crucial for verifying information and maintaining the integrity of research. The lumper and splitter approaches affect how sources are cited:
- Lumper Approach: This approach results in fewer, more comprehensive sources. Citations will be more detailed, specifying the exact location within the broader source.
- Splitter Approach: This approach results in more sources, each with less information. Citations will be simpler, as the detailed information is contained within the source itself.
Application to Gramps Genealogy Software
Gramps is a genealogy software that organizes data into a hierarchical system of Citations, Sources, and Repositories. Here’s how each approach could be applied:
Lumper Approach in Gramps
- Repository: Represents a broad category, such as “US Federal Census Records.”
- Source: A single source might be “1910 US Federal Census.”
- Citation: Contains specific details like state, county, enumeration district, page number, and household information.
This approach simplifies the management of sources but requires detailed citations to pinpoint specific information.
Splitter Approach in Gramps
- Repository: Still represents a broad category, such as “US Federal Census Records.”
- Source: Each source is more specific, such as “1910 US Federal Census, New York, Kings County, ED 1234.”
- Citation: Contains minimal additional information, primarily linking to the specific source.
This approach increases the number of sources but simplifies citations, as each source is already specific.
Conclusion
Both approaches have their merits and can be effectively used within Gramps. The choice between lumping and splitting depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the research. Lumpers benefit from fewer sources and more detailed citations, while splitters benefit from more sources and simpler citations.
Citations:
[1] In-text Citations - AMA Citation Guide - LibGuides at High Point University
[2] In-text citations - AMA Referencing (Vancouver) - University Library at The University of Notre Dame Australia
[3] In-Text Citations - AMA Style Guide - Library Guides at University of Washington Libraries
[4] Citing in the Text - Footnote - Referencing Guide - Help and Support at Murdoch University
Perplexity AI. (2024, August 4). Discussion on the terms “Lumper” and “Splitter” in Genealogy and their application in Gramps genealogy software. Retrieved from Perplexity AI.
Prompt: Please discuss the terms “Lumper” and “Splitter”. Define the terms and describe how they relate to citing sources in Genealogy. Then describe how each approach could be applied to the Gramps genealogy software’s hierarchical record system of Citations, Sources, and Repositories.