Historical

Research Design in Occupational Education
Copyright 1997. James P. Key. Oklahoma State University
Except for those materials which are supplied by different departments of the University
(ex. IRB, Thesis Handbook) and references used by permission.

MODULE R11

HISTORICAL RESEARCH

A procedures supplementary to observation in which the researcher seeks to test the authenticity of the reports or observations made by others.

The historical method is employed by researchers who are interested in reporting events and/or conditions that occurred in the past. An attempt is made to establish facts in order to arrive at conclusions concerning past events or predict future events.

Steps to Follow

	Isolate the problem
	Collect source materials, including primary and secondary sources
	Evaluate source material
	Formulate hypotheses
	Report and interpret findings

Primary Sources of Information - Direct outcomes of events or the records of eyewitnesses

	Original documents
	Relics
	Remains
	Artifacts

Secondary Sources of Information - Information provided by a person who did not directly observe the event, object, or condition

	Textbooks
	Encyclopedias
	Newspapers
	Periodicals
	Review of research and other references

External Criticism - Asks if the evidence under consideration is authentic. The researcher checks the genuineness or validity of the source. Is it what it appears or claims to be? Is it admissible as evidence?

Internal Criticism - After the source is authenticated, it asks if the source is accurate, was the writer or creator competent, honest, and unbiased? How long after the event happened until it was reported? Does the witness agree with other witnesses?

Establishing the Genuineness of a Document of Relic

Does the language and writing style conform to the period in question and is it typical of other work done by the author?

Is there evidence that the author exhibits ignorance of things or events that man of his training and time should have known?

Did he report about things, events, or places that could not have been known during that period?

Has the original manuscript been altered either intentionally or unintentionally by copying?

Is the document an original draft or a copy? If it is a copy, was it reproduced in the exact words of the original?

If manuscript is undated or the author unknown, are there any clues internally as to its origin?

Checking the Content of a Source of Information

What was meant by the author by each word and statement?

How much credibility can the author’s statements be given?

Evaluation

	Statement of hypotheses
	External and internal criticism of sources
	Observation and experimentation
	Technical terminology
	Generalization and prediction

Advantages

The research is not physically involved in the situation under study.

No danger of experimenter-subject interaction.

Documents are located by the researcher, data is gathered, and conclusions are drawn out of sight.

SELF ASSESSMENT

1. Define the historical method of research.

2. List the five steps to be followed in conducting a historical investigation.

3. Differentiate between the following primary and secondary sources by placing an "X" in the blank before each primary source.

______ Original documents

______Newspapers

______Textbooks

______Artifacts

______Encyclopedias

______Periodicals

______Relics

______Reviews of research

______Remains

4. Define external criticism.

5. Define internal criticism.

6. List six pertinent questions to be considered in establishing the genuineness of a document or relic.

7. List two pertinent questions to be considered when checking the content of a source of information.

8. List five factors to be considered when evaluating historical research.

9. Discuss three advantages of historical research.

Historical