When the researcher stops merely copying and begins evaluating
This suggestion works both ways. Not only do we start real research when we stop merely copying records, but we regress from research when we being copying records again. What do I mean by copying records? It means that the researcher copies the information in the record without evaluating the following:
- Who created the record?
- When was the record created?
- What was the original purpose of the record?
- How did the record get preserved in the repository or online?
- Why is the individual record included where it was found?
When the researcher changes his or her attitude towards spelling variations
I often talk to many beginning researchers who are really bothered by name variations in the records. They have a preconceived idea of the "correct" spelling of the family name and can't understand why the names are found with variant spellings. One indication that you have moved past the copy stage is understanding and appreciating variations in the records and begin to understand the difference between significant variations and those caused by other factors such as no standardized spelling.
When the researcher visits their first record repository to look at paper records
I am convinced, of course, that you can do real research online, but there comes a time when you need to recognize that there are many more records out there waiting to be digitized than there are already available on the Web. Turning the corner in your research is when you finally figure out that you need to go the library or court house to get additional records. I am not saying that the researcher has to physically go to to the location, turning the corner may be as simple as ordering a book using Interlibrary loan. But the act of breaking out of the single-minded online search is what makes the difference.
When the researcher realizes that family trees do not have all the answers
Online family trees are a great genealogical innovation, but real research starts when the prospective researcher finally figures out that the information on the family trees is highly questionable when it lacks sources supporting the people and relationships in the tree. This is one of the major reasons I have been adding source citations to every person in my online family trees. But I do have a long way to go before that phase is complete.
When the researcher makes a connection between source records and information missing or incorrect in his or her family tree
Some of the first things that any real researcher encounter are the apparent contradictions in different family trees and even in sources. Understanding that these differences exist is one of the hallmarks of beginning to do real research. As long as the prospective researcher depends on the records handed down by some family member who did the genealogy, they have not progressed tot the stage of doing real research.
When the researcher recognizes that there are records beyond the U.S. Census and Vital Records
The existence of more than census and vital records comes as a shock to some and a revelation to others. For this reason, I enjoy showing people how you can prove marriages, births and deaths from land records and I am equally amazed at how few people recognize the value of local newspapers. A real researcher recognizes that there are whole categories of records that are almost never considered by researchers.
I am sure there are other indices of researcher status but these are some of the most obvious.