A Quick Guide to Doing Historical Research

History has been shown to repeat itself often. To avoid this, you need to study and learn from the events of the past closely. Historical research is the process of exploring the past to gain a deeper understanding of a particular event, person, or time period.

Like any research activity, historical research is complex and demanding, not least because of the volume of historical data that one has to sift through. The first step in any historical research project is to develop a research question. A concise and specific question must clearly state the focus of your research. Think of it as a problematization. A clear view of what you aim to accomplish with your research will help you stay on track as you proceed to gather information and data.

Once your research interest has been properly problematized, then you can start conducting primary research. This may involve reading books, articles, and other secondary sources that provide information about the time period, event, or person you are studying. It is important to have a solid understanding of the historical context surrounding your research question. It is also important to consider the perspectives and biases of the sources you are using, as they may influence your understanding of the past.

There are two different types of sources you have to consult when doing historical research: primary sources and secondary sources. Primary sources are the building blocks of historical research. These are original documents, artifacts, or other materials that were created at the time of the event or during the time period you are studying. Examples of primary sources include letters, diaries, government records, photographs, and newspapers.

On the other hand, secondary sources are materials that provide additional information and analysis about the event or time period you are studying. They may include books, articles, and other written works that provide a more in-depth analysis of the primary sources.

When gathering sources, it is important to consider the reliability and credibility of the source, as well as the context within which it was created. Archives and libraries are valuable resources for historical researchers, as they often have a wealth of credible primary sources, as well as other materials available for study.

When visiting an archive, you need to understand exactly what you are looking for and what resources are available. It is also important to be respectful of the materials, as many archives and libraries have strict rules about handling primary sources.

Once you have gathered a variety of primary and secondary sources, it is time to begin analyzing them. This involves reading through the materials, making notes, and considering how the information in the sources supports or contradicts your research question. Try to look for patterns and themes that emerge across multiple sources, as this can help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of the event or time period you are studying.

It is also important to consider multiple perspectives in your analysis, as historical research often involves exploring various perspectives and interpretations of events. The context in which these perspectives were formed, as well as the motivations of the individuals involved, are of great benefit to your research.

The final step in historical research is to communicate your findings. This may involve writing a research paper, giving a presentation, or creating a visual representation of your findings. When communicating your findings, it is important to be clear and concise and to provide evidence to support your conclusions.