HISTORICAL

RESEARCH
Presented by: Angelyn Ayco, Elma Robin, Shane Joyce Quintal
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INTRODUCTION

• Historical research is a process of collecting and interpreting

data about past events or ideas in order to find how they
affected the present events and ideas.
• It studies possible reasons behind certain events to explain
their influence on the events that followed.
• Facts (ideas, events, social and cultural processes filtered
through human intelligence.
• Historical research mainly relies on first-hand information
sources such as historical records, books, photographs, letters,
evidence that belongs to the time the research focuses on.
• Secondary source materials - books and articles are written
sometime after the events can also contribute to research.
• History is an integrated, written record of past events , based on
the result of a search for the truth.
WHEN DO WE
USE IT?
WHEN DO WE USE IT?
We use historical research for various of reason:
– to avoid the mistakes of the past, to apply lessons from the past to current
problems
– to use the past to make predictions about the present and future
– to understand present practices and policies in light of the past and to examine
trends across time
• To understand the wholeness of the past, historians framework to guide the study.
• Analyze experiences and use the information gained to explain and prepare
society for similar events in the future.
• Historians consider different theoretical framewoks to structure their historical
studies. They may select from theoretical approaches such as biographical, social,
and intellectual histories.
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QUALITATIVE

Historical research is a specific type of qualitative research, so

the workflow contains the following methodological elements:
problem definition, formulation of examinable hypotheses or
research questions, variables definition, collecting hitorical data,
analyzing historical data and interpreting findings.
 FEATURES Page 07

FOCUS ON THE RELIANCE ON

PAST PRIMARY SOURCES
It is concerned with It relies heavily on primary
events, people, and sources such as original
societies from the past. It documents, artifacts, and oral
seeks to uncover and histories. These sources
understand the context provide direct evidence of
and significance of past past events and can help to
events and their impact reconstruct historical
on the present. narrative.
 FEATURES
INTERPRETATION
It involves the
interpretation of historical
evidence historians must
use their critical thinking
and analytical skills to
analyze and interpret
historical sources and to
draw conclusions.
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CONTEXTUALIZATI
ON
It involves placing historical
events and figures in their
social, cultural, political, and
economic context. This helps
supervise a deeper
understanding of the causes
and consequences of historical
events.
 FEATURES
MULTIPLE
PERSPECTIVES
It requires an understanding
of multiple perspectives
including those of different
social groups cultures and
historical actors. This helps
to avoid bias and to provide
a more nuance
understanding of historical
events.
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NARRATIVE FORM
It is often presented in
narrative form using
storytelling techniques to
convey historical events and
their significance these helps
to make history more
accessible and engaging for a
wider audience.
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PURPOSE

• to describe and examine events of the past to understand the present

and anticipate potential future effects.
• to reach insights or conclusions about past persons or occurrence.
• to help people learn from past failures and success
• to provide individuals and communities with a sense of identity and
belonging by uncovering and celebrating their shared cultural
heritage.
• to foster empathy by helping individuals to understand their
experiences. It can help to understand the perspectives of people from
different cultures and time periods.
Types of Historical
Research
Historical research encompasses a diverse range of approaches, each
offering unique insights into the past. From narrative histories that
capture the human experience to analytical studies that uncover
patterns and trends, to cultural examinations that shed light on the
values and beliefs of bygone eras, the field of history provides a
multifaceted lens through which we can understand our shared past.
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.
Narrative History
1 In-Depth Interviews
Narrative research often involves conducting in-depth interviews with individuals who
have firsthand experiences of historical events, such as survivors of the Holocaust or
participants in social movements. These personal accounts provide rich insights into
the human dimension of history.

2 Analyzing Lived Experiences

By exploring the meanings and interpretations associated with people's lived
experiences, narrative historians seek to capture the nuances and complexities of the
past, offering a more holistic understanding of historical events and their impact on
individuals and communities.

3 Uncovering Themes and Patterns

The narratives collected through this approach are then analyzed to identify common
themes, patterns, and insights that can shed light on the broader historical context
and the human experience within it.
Analytical History
Comparative Analysis
Analytical history often
involves a critical and
evaluative approach, where
researchers compare and
contrast different
perspectives, sources, or
theories to gain a deeper
understanding of historical
events or phenomena. This
approach helps to identify
patterns, trends, and
underlying causes.
Evaluating Evidence
Analytical historians
carefully examine primary
and secondary sources,
assessing their credibility,
reliability, and biases. This
rigorous evaluation of
evidence is essential for
developing a nuanced and
well-supported
interpretation of the past.
Identifying Significance
By analyzing historical data
through a critical lens,
analytical historians are able
to uncover the significance
and broader implications of
events, shedding light on
their causes, consequences,
and the broader social,
political, and cultural
contexts in which they
occurred.
Cultural History
1 Examining Cultural Artifacts
Cultural history focuses on
understanding the values, beliefs,
customs, and practices of different
cultures, both past and present.
This approach often involves the
examination of cultural artifacts,
such as art, literature, music, and
religious texts.
2 Analyzing Social Institutions
Cultural historians also study the
social institutions and practices
that shape and reflect a culture's
worldview, such as political
systems, economic structures, and
social hierarchies.

3 Uncovering Meaning and Significance

By analyzing these cultural elements, cultural historians seek to uncover the
deeper meanings, values, and beliefs that have shaped the lived experiences of
people in different historical contexts.
Narrative Research in Practice
Exploring Personal Experiences
Narrative research can be used to
capture the personal experiences of
individuals who have lived through
historical events, such as survivors of
the Holocaust or participants in social
movements. These in-depth accounts
provide rich insights into the human
dimension of history.
Identifying Common Themes
By analyzing the narratives collected
through this approach, researchers
can identify common themes,
patterns, and insights that shed light
on the broader historical context and
the impact of events on individuals
and communities.

Gaining Nuanced Understanding

Narrative research allows for a more nuanced and holistic understanding of
historical events, moving beyond the broad strokes of traditional historical accounts
to capture the complexities and subtleties of the human experience.
Analytical Research in Practice
Comparing Perspectives
Analytical research in history
often involves comparing
and contrasting different
accounts or interpretations
of a historical event or
phenomenon, such as the
causes and consequences of
the American Civil War. This
approach helps to identify
patterns, trends, and
underlying causes.
Evaluating Primary
Sources
Analytical historians
carefully examine primary
sources, such as letters,
diaries, and government
documents, to assess their
credibility, reliability, and
biases. This rigorous
evaluation of evidence is
essential for developing a
nuanced and well-supported
interpretation of the past.
Uncovering Significance
By analyzing historical data
through a critical lens,
analytical historians are able
to uncover the broader
significance and implications
of events, shedding light on
their causes, consequences,
and the social, political, and
cultural contexts in which
they occurred.
Cultural History in Practice
Examining Cultural
Artifacts
Cultural historians often
study art, literature, music,
and other cultural artifacts to
understand the values,
beliefs, and practices of a
particular historical period or
society. These cultural
elements can provide rich
insights into the lived
experiences and worldviews
of people in the past.
Analyzing Social
Institutions
Cultural historians also
examine the social
institutions and practices that
shape and reflect a culture's
worldview, such as political
systems, economic structures,
and social hierarchies. These
elements are crucial for
understanding the broader
cultural context of a historical
period.
Uncovering Meaning and
Significance
By analyzing these cultural
elements, cultural historians
seek to uncover the deeper
meanings, values, and beliefs
that have shaped the lived
experiences of people in
different historical contexts,
providing a more holistic
understanding of the past.
Steps in Historical Research
Formulate Research Question
The first step in historical research is to develop a clear and
focused research question or hypothesis that will guide the
investigation.

Collect Primary and Secondary Sources

Researchers then identify and gather relevant primary
sources, such as historical documents, artifacts, and
firsthand accounts, as well as secondary sources, such as
scholarly books and articles.

Analyze and Interpret Sources

The collected sources are carefully analyzed and interpreted,
taking into account their context, credibility, and the
perspectives they represent.
 Understanding Primary and Secondary
Sources
In historical research, the distinction between primary and secondary sources is crucial. Primary
sources are firsthand accounts or direct evidence of a historical event or phenomenon, created
during or close to the time period being studied. These can include diaries, letters, government
documents, news articles, and archaeological artifacts. Secondary sources, on the other hand, are
interpretations or analyses of primary sources, created after the time period being studied.
Examples of secondary sources include scholarly books, articles, documentaries, and museum
exhibits. By carefully evaluating the credibility, context, and content of these sources, historians can
develop a more nuanced understanding of the past and its significance.

Diaries and Letters Government News Articles Artifacts and

Documents Remains
Firsthand accounts of Contemporary
historical events and Official records, accounts of historical Physical objects and
personal reports, and events and archaeological
experiences. legislation created phenomena. evidence from the
during the time past.
period.
Analyzing and Interpreting Sources

Establish Context Evaluate Credibility Analyze Language Compare and

and Tone Contrast
Before analyzing a Researchers must
historical source, it's carefully assess the The language and Comparing and
crucial to understand credibility and tone used in a contrasting a source
the context in which reliability of the historical source can with other
it was created, sources, considering provide valuable contemporary or
including the time factors such as the insights into the related sources can
period, location, author's motivations, author's perspective help researchers
culture, and social biases, and the and the broader identify patterns,
and political climate. evidence supporting cultural and social trends, and unique
or contradicting the context of the time. insights that
source's claims. contribute to a more
comprehensive
understanding of the
past.
 A Sample Historical Research Project
To illustrate the application of historical research methods, consider a sample project titled "The
Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Working-Class Women in 19th-Century Britain." The
research question for this project would be: How did the Industrial Revolution affect the lives of
working-class women in 19th-century Britain? The researcher would begin by collecting a diverse
range of primary sources, such as diaries, letters, and newspaper articles, as well as secondary
sources like historical texts and academic articles. They would then carefully analyze and interpret
these sources, examining the context, credibility, and content to identify patterns, trends, and key
insights. By adopting a narrative approach, the researcher could provide a rich, contextual
understanding of the lived experiences of working-class women during this transformative
period. An analytical approach might involve comparing and contrasting different perspectives on
the social, economic, and cultural implications of industrialization for this demographic. Finally, a
cultural history lens could shed light on the changing values, beliefs, and practices that shaped
the roles and experiences of working-class women in 19th-century Britain.

Narrative Approach Analytical Approach

Capturing the personal experiences and Comparing and contrasting different
perspectives of working-class women accounts and theories to gain a more
through in-depth interviews and analysis of nuanced understanding of the causes and
primary sources. consequences of industrialization.

Cultural History Approach

Examining the changing values, beliefs, and practices that shaped the roles and experiences of
working-class women during this period.
Conclusion: The Value of
Historical Research
Historical research methodologies offer invaluable insights into the
complexities of the human experience, both past and present. By exploring
personal narratives, analyzing patterns and trends, and examining cultural
phenomena, historians can shed light on the diverse perspectives, power
dynamics, and social transformations that have shaped our world.
Whether through narrative, analytical, or cultural approaches, historical
research has the power to challenge existing assumptions, uncover hidden
stories, and inspire new ways of thinking about the past and its ongoing
relevance. By engaging with a wide range of primary and secondary
sources, historians can develop a deeper understanding of the factors that
have influenced human societies and the legacies they have left behind.
Ultimately, the rigorous and multifaceted nature of historical research
makes it a crucial tool for scholars, policymakers, and the general public
alike, as we strive to better comprehend the complexities of the human
experience and navigate the challenges of the present and future.
THANK
YOU