Historical-Researchhowtowritechapter.pdf

Research

1. CHAPTER 2:
HISTORICAL
RESEARCH

2. WHAT HISTORICAL
RESEARCH?

Historical research is the application of scientific
method to the thorough description and analysis

of past records and events.

Historical research is a systematic process of

searching the facts and then using the information

to synthesize ,describe , analyze and interpret the

past.

3. THE VALUE OF HISTORICAL
RESEARCH IN EDUCATION

Stricker (1998)
+ History is a storehouse of great ideas.

+ The past is a bulwark against contemporary
confusion.

+ Knowledge of the past is essential for
understanding and judging current events.

+ History shows what is and is not possible; thus a
knowledge of history empowers, especially those
with decision making task.

4. SOURCES OF INFORMATION
IN HISTORICAL RESEARCH

The most common source of historical
research are written records of the past ;

+ Books periodicals
+ Diaries
= Letters

+ Minutes of organizational meetings

5. TYPES OF HISTORICAL SOURCES

1. Primary Sources:
First-hand accounts of events or experiences.

1. Secondary Sources:

Second-hand accounts that are at least one step
removed from the event.

6. THE METHODOLOGY OF
HISTORICAL RESEARCH
Four Steps (Kaestle, 1992):

1. Identification of the Research Problem(Formulate a
hypothesis or questions)

2. Collection and Evaluation of Source Materials
3. Synthesis of Information from Source Materials

4. Analysis, Interpretation, and Formulation of

Conclusions. This last step includes drawing any

generalization. The hypothesis is either supported or
jected.

7. COLLECTION AND EVALUATION OF
SOURCE MATERIALS

Historical research requires a careful and critical evaluation of source materials to ensure the
authenticity and accuracy of the information. This process involves two main types of criticism:
external criticism and internal criticism.

External Criticism
Establishing the
Validity
(Question:”Is the
source genuine?)

Internal Criticism
Establish Meaning
(Queston:”What
does the content
mean?)

Establish
Credebility and
Usefulness of the
Source

8. VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF DOCUMENTS

Validity is increased by the fact that documents are often first-
person accounts of events or feelings experienced by the author of
the document .

; Reliability may be checked either by similar documents at two or
more points in time or by comparing the results of two or more
researchers at the same point in time.

9. ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION, AND
FORMULATING CONCLUSIONS

The final step of Historical Research
methodology is decision making about the
research problem. Historical research relieves
on the logical analysis of the information
from the documents. The conclusion are
formulated and any hypothesis introduced
are either supported or rejected.For
interpretation, the author should observe and
remain with utmost objectivity.

10. A

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