The answer to this simple question is not easily found. The course of a genealogical project is slow and tedious. Public records are searched, manuscripts are read, and books are studied. Contact with other genealogists is sought. The information gleaned from these sources is organized, and theories are formed.
More research is needed to prove or disprove the theory.
As more information is collected, the answer to the question slowly begins to unravel. Finally, after countless sources have been assimilated, the information is finally ready for publication so others can benefit. By far, the greatest amount of time spent on a genealogical project is in research. Originals of public records are scattered throughout the country and access to them is available to only those able to travel to them. The time spent searching for each individual record is usually greater than the amount of time spent utilizing the record.