The Historical Method Overview

Identifying a Research Question

The first step in historical research is to define a clear research question or problem. Historians decide what aspect of the past they want to investigate, whether it is a particular event, person, or trend. For example, they may explore the causes of the American Civil War or the impact of the Industrial Revolution on society.

Gathering Sources as Evidence

Historians gather evidence from two main types of sources:

Primary Sources: These are original materials from the time period being studied. They include letters, diaries, government documents, photographs, newspapers, artifacts, and firsthand accounts.

Secondary Sources: These are interpretations, analyses, or summaries of historical events created by scholars and researchers after the fact. They include books, articles, documentaries, and research papers.

By collecting a variety of sources, historians aim to construct a balanced and comprehensive view of the past.

Evaluating Sources

Not all historical sources are reliable. Historians must critically assess the credibility, bias, and authenticity of their sources. They ask questions such as:

• Who created the source, and what was their perspective?

• When and where was it created?

• Is there any bias or exaggeration in the source?

• Does the source align with other available evidence?

Through this process, historians differentiate between factual evidence and misinformation, ensuring their interpretations are based on accurate data.

Analyzing and Interpreting Evidence

Once reliable sources are identified, historians analyze the information to develop a coherent narrative. They look for patterns, connections, and causes and effects to understand historical events. Interpretation involves considering different viewpoints and contextualizing events within their historical period.

Constructing and Presenting Historical Narratives

After analyzing the evidence, historians construct narratives that explain past events. They organize their findings into written works, lectures, or documentaries. Good historical writing is clear, well-argued, and supported by evidence, helping readers understand the significance of historical events.