Historical Research

Historical research "attempts to systematically recapture the complex nuances, the people, meanings,
events, and even ideas of the past that have influenced and shaped the present". (Berg and Lune, 2012)

Historical research relies on a wide range of sources, including primary, secondary and tertiary sources.
Historical sources are something that tells us about history at its most basic level. It may be a text, an image, a
sound recording, a film, a building, a TV program, an object, or any unpublished material. Any artifact that conveys
information from the period in question will count as a source.

Steps in Historical Research

According to Berg and Lune (2012), the steps involved in historical research are as follows:

1. Identify an idea, topic or research question

2. Conduct a background literature review
3. Refine the research idea and questions
4. Determine that historical methods will be the method used
5. Identify and locate primary and secondary data sources
6. Evaluate the authenticity and accuracy of source materials
7. Analyze the date and develop a narrative exposition of the findings.