Qualitative Methods Questions
The key steps involved in conducting historical research are as follows:
1. Defining the research question: Clearly identify the specific aspect of history that you want to investigate and formulate a research question that guides your study.
2. Literature review: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature and historical sources related to your research question. This will help you understand the existing knowledge and identify any gaps in the literature.
3. Source selection: Identify and gather relevant primary and secondary sources that provide information and evidence related to your research question. Primary sources can include documents, letters, diaries, photographs, and artifacts from the time period under study, while secondary sources can include books, articles, and scholarly works written by historians.
4. Source evaluation: Critically evaluate the reliability, credibility, and relevance of the selected sources. Consider the author's bias, the context in which the source was created, and any potential limitations or biases in the source material.
5. Data collection: Collect and organize the data from the selected sources. This may involve transcribing or summarizing primary sources, extracting relevant information from secondary sources, and creating a comprehensive database or filing system to manage the collected data.
6. Analysis: Analyze the collected data to identify patterns, themes, and connections that help answer your research question. This may involve comparing and contrasting different sources, identifying cause-and-effect relationships, and interpreting the historical context.
7. Interpretation: Interpret the findings of your analysis in light of the existing literature and historical knowledge. Consider the implications of your findings and how they contribute to the broader understanding of the historical topic.
8. Writing and presentation: Communicate your research findings through a well-structured and coherent written report or thesis. Present your research in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate citations and references to support your arguments.
9. Peer review and revision: Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or experts in the field to improve the quality and rigor of your research. Revise your work based on the feedback received, ensuring that your research is accurate, logical, and well-supported.
10. Publication and dissemination: Share your research findings through academic journals, conferences, or other appropriate platforms. Contribute to the scholarly discourse and engage with other researchers and historians in the field.