Historical Research:

Uncovering the Past

Historical research is a powerful methodology that allows us to study
the events, people, and cultures of the past. By collecting and
analyzing primary and secondary sources, researchers can gain a
deeper understanding of how the past has shaped the present. This
research can be used in a variety of fields, from history and sociology
to anthropology and archaeology, to uncover the nuances and
significance of historical phenomena.

by Shane Quintal
When to Use Historical Research
Historical research is particularly useful when you want to:

1 Understand the Past 2 Analyze Development 3 Assess Impact

Study past events,
people, and cultures to
gain insight into how
they have influenced
the present.
Examine the evolution Evaluate the influence
of a particular of historical events on
phenomenon or trend contemporary society.
over time.

This methodology is commonly employed in fields such as history, sociology, anthropology, and
archaeology.
Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches
Historical research is typically qualitative in nature, involving the analysis of non-numerical data
such as texts, images, and artifacts. However, some historical research may also incorporate
quantitative methods, such as statistical analysis of historical data. The choice of approach depends
on the research question and the type of data available.
Characteristics of Historical Research
Primary and Secondary
Sources
Historical research relies on
the use of primary sources,
such as documents,
artifacts, and oral
testimonies, as well as
secondary sources, which
are interpretations and
analyses of the primary
sources.
Critical Analysis
Researchers must critically
analyze the sources to
establish their authenticity
and reliability, and to
understand the context in
which they were created.
Contextualization
Historical events and
phenomena must be
understood within their
broader historical context,
taking into account the
social, political, and cultural
factors that shaped them.
Objectives of Historical Research

Understand the Analyze Causes Identify Patterns Develop Nuanced

Past and Consequences and Trends Understanding
Historical research Historical research Historical research Historical research
aims to provide a seeks to identify the can help researchers aims to provide a
deeper underlying causes uncover patterns more nuanced and
understanding of and consequences of and trends in complex
past events, people, historical events and historical data, understanding of
and cultures, and phenomena. providing insights historical
their significance in into the broader phenomena, moving
shaping the present. context of past beyond simplistic
events. narratives.
Types of Historical Research
Narrative History
Focuses on telling a story about the past,
often through the lens of specific
individuals or events.
Cultural History
Focuses on the study of cultural practices,
beliefs, and values in the past, and how
they have shaped historical events.

1 2 3

Analytical History
Focuses on analyzing historical data to
identify patterns, trends, and causal
relationships.
Steps in Historical Research

Formulate Collect Sources Analyze and Develop

Research Interpret Framework
Identify and gather
Question
Develop a clear primary and Carefully examine Construct a
and focused secondary sources the sources to theoretical
research question relevant to the extract meaning, framework to
or hypothesis to research question. context, and interpret the
guide the significance. historical data and
investigation. draw conclusions.
Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary Sources Secondary Sources

Firsthand accounts or direct evidence of Interpretations and analyses of primary

historical events sources

Examples: diaries, letters, government Examples: books, articles, documentaries,

documents, news articles, artifacts encyclopedias, museum exhibits
Analyzing Historical Sources
Establish Context
Understand the historical context in which
the source was created, including the time
period, location, culture, and social and
political climate.
Identify Main Ideas
Analyze the source to extract the main
ideas, arguments, and purpose of the
author or creator.
Evaluate Credibility
Critically assess the source's credibility and
reliability, considering the author's
motivations and any potential biases.
Compare and Contrast
Compare and contrast the source with
other relevant sources to identify
similarities, differences, and unique
insights.