Historical Research

“The process of learning and understanding the background and growth of a chosen field of study or

profession can offer insight into organizational culture, current trends, and future possibilities. The historical method of research applies to all fields of

study because it encompasses their: origins, growth, theories, personalities, crisis, etc.”

Principles of Historical

Research

Consider the slant or bias of the information.

Bias is prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.

What factors contributed to the historical event? Cause and effect play a big role in historical research.

Consider the evidence from multiple points of view.

Appropriate Sources

When you are conducting historical research not all sources are appropriate. You need to include information based on facts and research and eyewitness account, when possible. Articles, textbooks, journals, primary sources and scholarly websites are appropriate. Sites such as Wikipedia and some blogs are not appropriate because the content can be changed and may not be factual.

Using Wikipedia AppropriatelyWe you begin an internet search Wikipedia is often the first source listed. Naturally this is where you would start. If you scroll down you will see other sources available, many of them scholarly.

Wikipedia can be used to help you collect ideas and create your outline. IF the topic is well referenced there should be a list of scholarly references, and possible links to other sites, at the bottom of the page. You may choose to use some of the same sources. Wikipedia should never be your only source.

Citing Sources

When you conduct any type of research you must always cite your sources. It is against the law to use the work of someone else with out giving them credit.

There are several websites available to help you create correct citations:

Citation Machine

Social Science Fields of

Study

Anthropology- the study of human and culture based on artifacts and human fossils.

Archaeology- the study of past societies through an analysis of the items people left behind them.

Economics- the study of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

Political Science- the study of political and especially governmental institutions and processes.

Linguistics- the study of human speech including the units, nature, structure, and modification of language.

Religion- study of religions.

Sociology- study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings.

Research Guides

When you are conducting historical research there are several tools available to assist you. Use the websites below if you need assistance in your search:

The History Guide: This a guide created explicitly for history students.

Research and Documentation Online: This site assists infinding appropriate information online.

Remember that your instructor is always available. If you have a question about a research topic or source please contact your instructor.

Sources Title- "The Historical Approach to Research." University of Texas. University

of Texas, n.d. Web. 5 Feb 2012. <http://www.gslis.utexas.edu/~palmquis/courses/historical.htm>.

Slide 2- Image: William Cronin. Learning to Do Historical Research. 2008. Photograph. Center for Culture History Environment, Madison, WI. Web. 5 Feb 2012. <http://envhist.wisc.edu/images/historical_research_thumbnail.jpg>.

Information: "The Historical Approach to Research." University of Texas. University of Texas, n.d. Web. 5 Feb 2012. <http://www.gslis.utexas.edu/~palmquis/courses/historical.htm>.

Slide 3- Image: N.d. Graphic. The Knowledge Center, Mathewson, NV. Web. 5 Feb 2012. <http://knowledgecenter.unr.edu/help/manage/images/CitingSources.png>.

Slide 4- Image: MLA citation example for an image taken found on a web site. N.d. Photograph. University of Connecticutt, Storrs, CT. Web. 5 Feb 2012. <http://classguides.lib.uconn.edu

Slide 5- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary and Spielvogel, Jackson J. World History. New York: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2003. 19-23. Print.

Notes Sources

1. "Meet the Archaeologist: Dr. Zahi Hawass." History.com. About.com US Liberal Politics, n.d. Web. 5 Feb 2012. <http://www.history.com/shows/chasing-mummies/bios/dr-zahi-hawass>.

2. White, Deborah. "Profile of Economist Paul Krugman, Political Liberal." About.com. About.com US Liberal Politics, n.d. Web. 5 Feb 2012. <http://usliberals.about.com/od/peopleinthenews/p/Krugman.htm>.

3. Benschop, Dr. Albert, ed. "SocioSite." Famous Sociologists. N.p., 26,Dec. 2011. Web. 3 Feb 2012. <http://www.sociosite.net/topics/sociologists.php>.

4. " Margaret Mead." 2012. Biography.com 03 Feb 2012, 07:43 http://www.biography.com/people/margaret-mead-9404056