Historical Research

 HISTORICAL RESEARCH

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. 

Historical research may not just help to figure out connections between past and present events, it can also provide the researchers with information regarding possible future events.

CHARACTERISTICS

• Historical research involves the careful study and analysis of data about past events.

• It is a critical investigation of events, their development, experiences of past.

• Involves the review of written materials but may include oral documentations as well.

ADVANTAGES

 - No other method provides us with an opportunity to find insights about past events.

- Identifying key elements of past negative events can play a significant role in preventing certain similar circumstances. In other words, it can teach a history lesson.

  - It can result in an important discovery on a global scale.

  - A researcher is not involved with the event.

DISADVANTAGES

· Cannot control for threats to internal validity

· Limitations are imposed due to the content analysis

· Researchers cannot ensure representation of the sample.

· Bias in interpreting historical sources.

· Interpreting sources is very time consuming.

· Sources of historical materials may be problematic