HISTORICAL RESEARCH
Historical research may be defined as the study of
problems of education making use of historical source and
techniques
Historical Research evolves universal generalization and
principles.
Historical research is the application of scientific method
of inquiry to historical problems.
PURPOSE OF HISTORICAL RESEARCH
The purpose of historical research is to preserve and interpret
facts. The researcher gathers the facts and then attempts to assimilate
the facts into a meaningful order. The researcher also triangulates
the facts. In other words, the researcher attempts to verify the facts
using other data sources.
Learn from past failure and success.
Make prediction.
Tounderstand how and why educational theories and practices
developed.
WHY WOULD A PERSON WANT TO
CONDUCT HISTORICAL RESEARCH?
Uncover the known
Answer the question
Relationship that the past has to the present
Record and evaluate accomplishment of
individuals , agencies , or institutions.
Aid in understanding the culture in which we live.
CHARACTERISTICS OF HISTORICAL
RESEARCH
Historicalresearch involves the careful study and analysis of
data about past.
Itis critical investigation of events, their development ,
experience of past.
The purpose is to gain a clearer understanding of the impact of
the past on present and future events related to life process.
Involves
the review of written material but may include oral
documentation as well.
AREAS OF HISTORICAL STUDY
Period: Historical studies focused on events and developments
that occurred during particular blocks of time in the past.
Geographical locations: particular geographical locations can
form the basis of historical studies. For example continents,
countries and cities.
Military History: concentrate on the study of conflicts that have
happened in human society. This include examining the war,
battles, military strategies, and weaponry.
EXAMPLES
How does a philosophy and religion shape a society.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
What impact did Buddhism , Christianity , Hinduism on the
society?
Howwas a religion text, (Quran , Bible) is used to justify
power , change etc.
How did a religion get adopted or change as it spread.
TYPES OF HISTORICAL RESEARCH
Social issues
Study of specific individuals , educational
institutions social movements.
Exploration of relationship between events.
Synthesis of data
Reinterpretation of past events.
Steps to Historical Research
Step 1: Developing a Paperwork Management System
Organization is a key factor in successful research. The teacher should
encourage students in the beginning stage of research to select a paperwork
management system.
Step 2: Selecting a Topic
Teachers should work with students to select a topic related to the annual
theme. Brainstorming ideas or looking through the history textbook are
great ways to begin thinking about potential topics. For ideas on theme
connection and topic selection please see the NHD annual theme book.
Step 3: Background Reading for Historical Context
In the excitement of getting started, students sometimes skip one
of the most important steps: building historical context for the
research topic. Take time to support students in reading widely
about their topic. Look at several different history books about
the time period in which the topic takes place.
Step 4: Narrowing Your Topic
Selecting a National History Day topic is a process of gradually
narrowing the area of history (period or event) that interests the
students. For example, if the student is interested in American
Indians and the theme is “Rights and Responsibilities in History,” a
natural topic would be treaty rights. After reading several texts and
journals about American Indians and treaties, the process might look
something like this:
Step 5: Gathering and Recording Information
To be responsible researchers, students must credit sources from
which they gathered information. To begin the process, however,
it is important for the student to collect critical information from
each source as they read including the author’s name, title,
publisher, date of publication, and page number for quotes.
Step 6: Analyzing and Interpreting Sources and the Topic’s
Significance in History
Historians do more than describe events. They analyze and
interpret information gathered from their sources to draw
conclusions about the topic’s significance in history.
Step 7: Developing a Thesis
The thesis statement is usually one sentence that presents an
argument about the topic. The body of the paper or website, the
script of the performance or documentary, and the headings and
captions in an exhibit then are used to support the thesis using
evidence from the research.
Step 8: Finalizing a Research Project
When research is completed and ready to present to an
audience, ask students to review whether their work
includes:
Analysis and interpretation
Significance and impact
In-depth research
Historical accuracy
Historical context
Adherence to the theme
SOURCES OF DATA COLLECTION
Primary sources: Primary resources are first hand information
that include remains or relic associated with person, groups,
periods or events
Fossils, skeletons, tools, weapons, painting , coins , are
examples of remains that were not deliberately intended for
use in transmitting information or to be used as a record.
Oral or testimony or the record kept and written by actual
participants in an event or actual witness of the same.
SECONDARY RESOURCES
These are the reports of the people who related the
testimony of an actual witness of an event or actual
participant in the same . For example most of the
history books and encyclopedia.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRIMARY
AND SECONDARY RESOURCES
Primary Resource:
Ithas direct involvement with the event that is being
investigated.
For having direct physical relationship the possibility of error is
very little.
Primary resources has no dependency on secondary resources.
Researchers are reliable on primary resources.
SECONDARY RESOURCES
A secondary source is an account of the past created after the
event or created from primary sources.
It has no direct involvement with the event being investigated.
Itis very possible that secondary source contain error due to
passing of information from one source to another.
Secondary sources are totally dependent on primary resources.
Researchers don’t rely on secondary resources.
DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES
Survey
Questionnaire
Interview
Experimental Treatments
IMPORTANCE IN THE FIELD OF
EDUCATION
To find the solution to temporary problems which have their
roots in the past.
It throw lights on present trends and can help in predicting future
trends.
Itenables us to understand how and why educational theories
and practices developed.
Comparative study of education system.
