historical study research design

Qualitative study design: Historical

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Looking at the past to inform the future.

Describing and examining past events to better understand the present and to anticipate potential effects on the future. To identify a need for knowledge that requires a historical investigation. Piecing together a history, particularly when there are no people living to tell their story.

Oral recordings

Can provide a fuller picture of the scope of the research as it covers a wider range of sources. As an example, documents such as diaries, oral histories and official records and newspaper reports were used to identify a scurvy and smallpox epidemic among Klondike gold rushers (Highet p3).

Unobtrusiveness of this research method.

Limitations

Issues with validity – can only use the historical information that is available today.

Primary sources are hard to locate.

Hard to triangulate findings (find other resources to back up the information provided in the original resource).

Example questions

What caused an outbreak of polio in the past that may contribute to the outbreaks of today?
How has the attitude to LGBTQIA+ changed over the past 50 years?

Example studies

Hallett, C. E., Madsen, W., Pateman, B., & Bradshaw, J. (2012). " Time enough! Or not enough time!" An oral history investigation of some British and Australian community nurses' responses to demands for "efficiency" in health care, 1960-2000 . Nursing History Review, 20, 136-161.
Navarro, J. A., Kohl, K. S., Cetron, M. S., & Markel, H. (2016). A tale of many cities: a contemporary historical study of the implementation of school closures during the 2009 pA(H1N1) influenza pandemic. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 41(3), 393-422. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.deakin.edu.au/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,sso&db=lhh&AN=20163261834&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Edith Cowan University Library. (2019). Historical Research Method. Retrieved from https://ecu.au.libguides.com/historical-research-method

Godshall, M. (2016). Fast facts for evidence-based practice in nursing: Implementing EBP in a nutshell (2nd ed.). New York: Springer Publishing Company.

Highet, M. J. (2010). "It Depends on Where You Look": The Unusual Presentation of Scurvy and Smallpox Among Klondike Gold Rushers as Revealed Through Qualitative Data Sources. Past Imperfect, 16, 3-34. doi:10.21971/P7J59D

Saks, M., & Allsop, J. (2012). Researching health: qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods (2nd ed.). London: SAGE.

Taylor, B. J., & Francis, K. (2013). Qualitative research in the health sciences: methodologies, methods and processes. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

University of Missouri-St. Louis. Qualitative Research Designs. Retrieved from http://www.umsl.edu/~lindquists/qualdsgn.html

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Home » Historical Research – Types, Methods and Examples

Historical Research – Types, Methods and Examples

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Historical research is a systematic approach to examining past events, documents, artifacts, and interpretations to understand the factors that shaped them. This research method is foundational in fields such as history, anthropology, sociology, and education, providing insights into how historical trends and decisions influence the present and future.

Historical Research

Historical research is the process of systematically investigating, interpreting, and analyzing past events and their contexts. It involves examining primary and secondary sources to reconstruct and critically evaluate historical developments. The goal is to gain a nuanced understanding of the causes, effects, and meaning of historical phenomena.

For instance, a researcher studying the Industrial Revolution might analyze factory records, workers’ diaries, and economic reports to uncover how technological advancements affected societal structures.

Key Features of Historical Research

Focus on the Past: It seeks to understand and interpret past events within their historical context.
Reliance on Sources: Researchers use primary and secondary sources, such as documents, artifacts, and oral histories.
Analytical Approach: Historical research goes beyond mere description, aiming to interpret and explain the significance of events.

Importance of Historical Research

Historical research plays a critical role in understanding:

Cultural Evolution: It sheds light on how cultures, societies, and institutions have evolved over time.
Policy Development: Insights from the past guide policymakers in addressing contemporary challenges.
Contextual Understanding: It provides context for current events, helping us learn from successes and failures in history.

Types of Historical Research

Thematic historical research.

This approach centers on specific themes or topics, such as the history of gender roles, revolutions, or education. For instance, a researcher might explore the role of women in the suffrage movement across different countries.

Biographical Historical Research

Biographical research focuses on the life and contributions of an individual. A historian studying Mahatma Gandhi, for example, would analyze personal letters, speeches, and writings to understand his philosophy and leadership style.

Quantitative Historical Research

Quantitative methods involve statistical analysis of historical data. Researchers might study census records, economic trends, or demographic shifts over time to draw conclusions about historical events.

Comparative Historical Research

This type compares events, policies, or phenomena across different time periods or regions. For example, a researcher might compare the abolition of slavery in the United States and Britain to identify shared factors and divergent outcomes.

Oral History Research

Oral history involves collecting and analyzing firsthand accounts from individuals who experienced specific historical events. For instance, interviewing World War II veterans to understand their experiences provides valuable insights into the war’s impact on soldiers.

Methods of Conducting Historical Research

Defining the research problem.

Start with a clear and focused research question or problem. For example, a historian might ask, “What were the economic impacts of the Great Depression on rural America?”

Identifying Sources

Researchers locate primary and secondary sources relevant to their topic. Primary sources include letters, photographs, official documents, and artifacts, while secondary sources consist of books, journal articles, and analyses.

Evaluating Authenticity and Credibility

Each source must be critically evaluated for authenticity, reliability, and bias. This step ensures that the information used is accurate and relevant.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Researchers analyze the data to identify patterns, relationships, and trends, interpreting their significance in the historical context.

Synthesizing Findings

The findings are synthesized into a coherent narrative or analysis, addressing the research problem and contributing to historical knowledge.

Examples of Historical Research

Examining the causes of world war i.

A historian studying the causes of World War I might analyze diplomatic correspondence, treaties, and speeches from the early 20th century to identify the events that escalated tensions among nations.

Investigating the Civil Rights Movement

A researcher might explore primary sources like speeches by Martin Luther King Jr., government records, and media coverage to understand the strategies and impacts of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.

Studying Technological Advancements

A historical study of the development of the printing press could involve analyzing patents, trade records, and early printed materials to determine its influence on communication and literacy.

Analyzing the History of Public Health

A researcher examining the response to the 1918 influenza pandemic might use medical records, government directives, and newspaper articles to understand public health strategies and their effectiveness.

Advantages of Historical Research

Comprehensive Understanding: It provides a detailed view of historical events, including their causes and effects.
Learning from the Past: Researchers can identify patterns and lessons that inform future decisions.
Rich Data Sources: Historical research utilizes diverse data types, including textual, visual, and oral sources.

Disadvantages of Historical Research

Incomplete Records: Not all historical events are well-documented, leading to gaps in data.
Bias in Sources: Primary and secondary sources may reflect the perspectives or biases of their creators.
Time-Intensive: Collecting and analyzing historical data can be a lengthy process.
Difficulty in Generalization: Historical events are often context-specific, limiting the ability to generalize findings.

Applications of Historical Research

Historical research is essential for developing curricula and educational materials, helping students understand cultural and historical contexts.

Public Policy

Policymakers use historical research to assess the long-term impacts of policies and avoid repeating past mistakes.

Sociology and Anthropology

Researchers study historical trends in social structures and cultural practices to understand their evolution.

Archival Management

Historians work in preserving and interpreting archival materials, ensuring that valuable records are available for future research.

Historical research is a vital method for exploring and understanding the complexities of the past. By analyzing events, trends, and narratives, researchers can draw meaningful insights that illuminate current issues and inform future decision-making. While challenges like incomplete records and potential biases exist, the depth and richness of historical analysis make it an invaluable tool across various academic and practical fields.

Tosh, J. (2015). The Pursuit of History: Aims, Methods, and New Directions in the Study of Modern History (6th ed.). Routledge.
Carr, E. H. (1961). What is History? Penguin Books.
Bloch, M. (1992). The Historian’s Craft. Vintage.
Howell, M., & Prevenier, W. (2001). From Reliable Sources: An Introduction to Historical Methods. Cornell University Press.
Lipartito, K. (2014). Historical sources and data. Journal of Management Studies , 51(5), 938-964.

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HISTORICAL RESEARCH: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHOD

This paper is a write-up about one of many qualitative research method, namely historical research method.

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Doing Historical Research [without getting hysterical!] In addition to being a scholarly investigation, research is a social activity intended to create new knowledge. Historical research is your informed response to the questions that you ask while examining the record of human experience. These questions may concern such elements as looking at an event or topic, examining events that lead to the event in question, social influences, key players, and other contextual information. This step-by-step guide progresses from an introduction to historical resources to information about how to identify a topic, craft a thesis and develop a research paper. Table of contents: The Range and Richness of Historical Sources Secondary Sources Primary Sources Historical Analysis What is it? Who, When, Where, What and Why: The Five "W"s Topic, Thesis, Sources Definition of Terms Choose a Topic Craft a Thesis Evaluate Thesis and Sources A Variety of Information Sources Take Efficient Notes Note Cards Thinking, Organizing, Researching Parenthetical Documentation Prepare a Works Cited Page Drafting, Revising, Rewriting, Rethinking For Further Reading: Works Cited Additional Links So you want to study history?! Tons of help and links Slatta Home Page Use the Writing and other links on the lefhand menu I. The Range and Richness of Historical Sources Back to Top Every period leaves traces, what historians call "sources" or evidence. Some are more credible or carry more weight than others; judging the differences is a vital skill developed by good historians. Sources vary in perspective, so knowing who created the information you are examining is vital. Anonymous doesn't make for a very compelling source. For example, an FBI report on the antiwar movement, prepared for U.S. President Richard Nixon, probably contained secrets that at the time were thought to have affected national security. It would not be usual, however, for a journalist's article about a campus riot, featured in a local newspaper, to leak top secret information. Which source would you read? It depends on your research topic. If you're studying how government officials portrayed student activists, you'll want to read the FBI report and many more documents from other government agencies such as the CIA and the National Security Council. If you're investigating contemporary opinion of pro-war and anti-war activists, local newspaper accounts provide a rich resource. You'd want to read a variety of newspapers to ensure you're covering a wide range of opinions (rural/urban, left/right, North/South, Soldier/Draft-dodger, etc). Historians classify sources into two major categories: primary and secondary sources. Secondary Sources Back to Top Definition: Secondary sources are created by someone who was either not present when the event occurred or removed from it in time. We use secondary sources for overview information, to familiarize ourselves with a topic, and compare that topic with other events in history. In refining a research topic, we often begin with secondary sources. This helps us identify gaps or conflicts in the existing scholarly literature that might prove promsing topics. Types: History books, encyclopedias, historical dictionaries, and academic (scholarly) articles are secondary sources. To help you determine the status of a given secondary source, see How to identify and nagivate scholarly literature . Examples: Historian Marilyn Young's (NYU) book about the Vietnam War is a secondary source. She did not participate in the war. Her study is not based on her personal experience but on the evidence she culled from a variety of sources she found in the United States and Vietnam. Primary Sources Back to Top Definition: Primary sources emanate from individuals or groups who participated in or witnessed an event and recorded that event during or immediately after the event. They include speeches, memoirs, diaries, letters, telegrams, emails, proclamations, government documents, and much more. Examples: A student activist during the war writing about protest activities has created a memoir. This would be a primary source because the information is based on her own involvement in the events she describes. Similarly, an antiwar speech is a primary source. So is the arrest record of student protesters. A newspaper editorial or article, reporting on a student demonstration is also a primary source. II. Historical Analysis What is it? Back to Top No matter what you read, whether it's a primary source or a secondary source, you want to know who authored the source (a trusted scholar? A controversial historian? A propagandist? A famous person? An ordinary individual?). "Author" refers to anyone who created information in any medium (film, sound, or text). You also need to know when it was written and the kind of audience the author intend to reach. You should also consider what you bring to the evidence that you examine. Are you inductively following a path of evidence, developing your interpretation based on the sources? Do you have an ax to grind? Did you begin your research deductively, with your mind made up before even seeing the evidence. Historians need to avoid the latter and emulate the former. To read more about the distinction, examine the difference between Intellectual Inquirers and Partisan Ideologues . In the study of history, perspective is everything. A letter written by a twenty- year old Vietnam War protestor will differ greatly from a letter written by a scholar of protest movements. Although the sentiment might be the same, the perspective and influences of these two authors will be worlds apart. Practicing the " 5 Ws " will avoid the confusion of the authority trap. Who, When, Where, What and Why: The Five "W"s Back to Top Historians accumulate evidence (information, including facts, stories, interpretations, opinions, statements, reports, etc.) from a variety of sources (primary and secondary). They must also verify that certain key pieces of information are corroborated by a number of people and sources ("the predonderance of evidence"). The historian poses the " 5 Ws " to every piece of information he examines: Who is the historical actor? When did the event take place? Where did it occur? What did it entail and why did it happen the way it did? The " 5 Ws " can also be used to evaluate a primary source. Who authored the work? When was it created? Where was it created, published, and disseminated? Why was it written (the intended audience), and what is the document about (what points is the author making)? If you know the answers to these five questions, you can analyze any document, and any primary source. The historian doesn't look for the truth, since this presumes there is only one true story. The historian tries to understand a number of competing viewpoints to form his or her own interpretation-- what constitutes the best explanation of what happened and why. By using as wide a range of primary source documents and secondary sources as possible, you will add depth and richness to your historical analysis. The more exposure you, the researcher, have to a number of different sources and differing view points, the more you have a balanced and complete view about a topic in history. This view will spark more questions and ultimately lead you into the quest to unravel more clues about your topic. You are ready to start assembling information for your research paper. III. Topic, Thesis, Sources Definition of Terms Back to Top Because your purpose is to create new knowledge while recognizing those scholars whose existing work has helped you in this pursuit, you are honor bound never to commit the following academic sins: Plagiarism: Literally "kidnapping," involving the use of someone else's words as if they were your own (Gibaldi 6). To avoid plagiarism you must document direct quotations, paraphrases, and original ideas not your own. Recycling: Rehashing material you already know thoroughly or, without your professor's permission, submitting a paper that you have completed for another course. Premature cognitive commitment: Academic jargon for deciding on a thesis too soon and then seeking information to serve that thesis rather than embarking on a genuine search for new knowledge. Choose a Topic Back to Top "Do not hunt for subjects, let them choose you, not you them." --Samuel Butler Choosing a topic is the first step in the pursuit of a thesis. Below is a logical progression from topic to thesis: Close reading of the primary text, aided by secondary sources Growing awareness of interesting qualities within the primary text Choosing a topic for research Asking productive questions that help explore and evaluate a topic Creating a research hypothesis Revising and refining a hypothesis to form a working thesis First, and most important, identify what qualities in the primary or secondary source pique your imagination and curiosity and send you on a search for answers. Bloom's taxonomy of cognitive levels provides a description of productive questions asked by critical thinkers. While the lower levels (knowledge, comprehension) are necessary to a good history essay, aspire to the upper three levels (analysis, synthesis, evaluation). Skimming reference works such as encyclopedias, books, critical essays and periodical articles can help you choose a topic that evolves into a hypothesis, which in turn may lead to a thesis. One approach to skimming involves reading the first paragraph of a secondary source to locate and evaluate the author's thesis. Then for a general idea of the work's organization and major ideas read the first and last sentence of each paragraph. Read the conclusion carefully, as it usually presents a summary (Barnet and Bedau 19). Craft a Thesis Back to Top Very often a chosen topic is too broad for focused research. You must revise it until you have a working hypothesis, that is, a statement of an idea or an approach with respect to the source that could form the basis for your thesis. Remember to not commit too soon to any one hypothesis. Use it as a divining rod or a first step that will take you to new information that may inspire you to revise your hypothesis. Be flexible. Give yourself time to explore possibilities. The hypothesis you create will mature and shift as you write and rewrite your paper. New questions will send you back to old and on to new material. Remember, this is the nature of research--it is more a spiraling or iterative activity than a linear one. Test your working hypothesis to be sure it is: broad enough to promise a variety of resources. narrow enough for you to research in depth. original enough to interest you and your readers. worthwhile enough to offer information and insights of substance "do-able"--sources are available to complete the research. Now it is time to craft your thesis, your revised and refined hypothesis. A thesis is a declarative sentence that: focuses on one well-defined idea makes an arguable assertion; it is capable of being supported prepares your readers for the body of your paper and foreshadows the conclusion. Evaluate Thesis and Sources Back to Top Like your hypothesis, your thesis is not carved in stone. You are in charge. If necessary, revise it during the research process. As you research, continue to evaluate both your thesis for practicality, originality, and promise as a search tool, and secondary sources for relevance and scholarliness. The following are questions to ask during the research process: Are there many journal articles and entire books devoted to the thesis, suggesting that the subject has been covered so thoroughly that there may be nothing new to say? Does the thesis lead to stimulating, new insights? Are appropriate sources available? Is there a variety of sources available so that the bibliography or works cited page will reflect different kinds of sources? Which sources are too broad for my thesis? Which resources are too narrow? Who is the author of the secondary source? Does the critic's background suggest that he/she is qualified? After crafting a thesis, consider one of the following two approaches to writing a research paper: Excited about your thesis and eager to begin? Return to the primary or secondary source to find support for your thesis. Organize ideas and begin writing your first draft. After writing the first draft, have it reviewed by your peers and your instructor. Ponder their suggestions and return to the sources to answer still-open questions. Document facts and opinions from secondary sources. Remember, secondary sources can never substitute for primary sources. Confused about where to start? Use your thesis to guide you to primary and secondary sources. Secondary sources can help you clarify your position and find a direction for your paper. Keep a working bibliography. You may not use all the sources you record, but you cannot be sure which ones you will eventually discard. Create a working outline as you research. This outline will, of course, change as you delve more deeply into your subject. A Variety of Information Sources Back to Top "A mind that is stretched to a new idea never returns to its original dimension." --Oliver Wendell Holmes Your thesis and your working outline are the primary compasses that will help you navigate the variety of sources available. In "Introduction to the Library" (5-6) the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers suggests you become familiar with the library you will be using by: taking a tour or enrolling for a brief introductory lecture referring to the library's publications describing its resources introducing yourself and your project to the reference librarian The MLA Handbook also lists guides for the use of libraries (5), including: Jean Key Gates, Guide to the Use of Libraries and Information Sources (7th ed., New York: McGraw, 1994). Thomas Mann, A Guide to Library Research Methods (New York: Oxford UP, 1987). Online Central Catalog Most libraries have their holdings listed on a computer. The online catalog may offer Internet sites, Web pages and databases that relate to the university's curriculum. It may also include academic journals and online reference books. Below are three search techniques commonly used online: Index Search: Although online catalogs may differ slightly from library to library, the most common listings are by: Subject Search: Enter the author's name for books and article written about the author. Author Search: Enter an author's name for works written by the author, including collections of essays the author may have written about his/her own works. Title Search: Enter a title for the screen to list all the books the library carries with that title. Key Word Search/Full-text Search: A one-word search, e.g., 'Kennedy,' will produce an overwhelming number of sources, as it will call up any entry that includes the name 'Kennedy.' To focus more narrowly on your subject, add one or more key words, e.g., "John Kennedy, Peace Corps." Use precise key words. Boolean Search: Boolean Search techniques use words such as "and," "or," and "not," which clarify the relationship between key words, thus narrowing the search. Take Efficient Notes Back to Top Keeping complete and accurate bibliography and note cards during the research process is a time (and sanity) saving practice. If you have ever needed a book or pages within a book, only to discover that an earlier researcher has failed to return it or torn pages from your source, you understand the need to take good notes. Every researcher has a favorite method for taking notes. Here are some suggestions-- customize one of them for your own use. Bibliography cards There may be far more books and articles listed than you have time to read, so be selective when choosing a reference. Take information from works that clearly relate to your thesis, remembering that you may not use them all. Use a smaller or a different color card from the one used for taking notes. Write a bibliography card for every source. Number the bibliography cards. On the note cards, use the number rather than the author's name and the title. It's faster. Another method for recording a working bibliography, of course, is to create your own database. Adding, removing, and alphabetizing titles is a simple process. Be sure to save often and to create a back-up file. A bibliography card should include all the information a reader needs to locate that particular source for further study. Most of the information required for a book entry (Gibaldi 112): Author's name Title of a part of the book [preface, chapter titles, etc.] Title of the book Name of the editor, translator, or compiler Edition used Number(s) of the volume(s) used Name of the series Place of publication, name of the publisher, and date of publication Page numbers Supplementary bibliographic information and annotations Most of the information required for an article in a periodical (Gibaldi 141): Author's name Title of the article Name of the periodical Series number or name (if relevant) Volume number (for a scholarly journal) Issue number (if needed) Date of publication Page numbers Supplementary information For information on how to cite other sources refer to your So you want to study history page . Note Cards Back to Top Take notes in ink on either uniform note cards (3x5, 4x6, etc.) or uniform slips of paper. Devote each note card to a single topic identified at the top. Write only on one side. Later, you may want to use the back to add notes or personal observations. Include a topical heading for each card. Include the number of the page(s) where you found the information. You will want the page number(s) later for documentation, and you may also want page number(s)to verify your notes. Most novice researchers write down too much. Condense. Abbreviate. You are striving for substance, not quantity. Quote directly from primary sources--but the "meat," not everything. Suggestions for condensing information: Summary: A summary is intended to provide the gist of an essay. Do not weave in the author's choice phrases. Read the information first and then condense the main points in your own words. This practice will help you avoid the copying that leads to plagiarism. Summarizing also helps you both analyze the text you are reading and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses (Barnet and Bedau 13). Outline: Use to identify a series of points. Paraphrase, except for key primary source quotations. Never quote directly from a secondary source, unless the precise wording is essential to your argument. Simplify the language and list the ideas in the same order. A paraphrase is as long as the original. Paraphrasing is helpful when you are struggling with a particularly difficult passage. Be sure to jot down your own insights or flashes of brilliance. Ralph Waldo Emerson warns you to "Look sharply after your thoughts. They come unlooked for, like a new bird seen on your trees, and, if you turn to your usual task, disappear...." To differentiate these insights from those of the source you are reading, initial them as your own. (When the following examples of note cards include the researcher's insights, they will be followed by the initials N. R.) When you have finished researching your thesis and you are ready to write your paper, organize your cards according to topic. Notecards make it easy to shuffle and organize your source information on a table-- or across the floor. Maintain your working outline that includes the note card headings and explores a logical order for presenting them in your paper. IV. Begin Thinking, Researching, Organizing Back to Top Don't be too sequential. Researching, writing, revising is a complex interactive process. Start writing as soon as possible! "The best antidote to writer's block is--to write." (Klauser 15). However, you still feel overwhelmed and are staring at a blank page, you are not alone. Many students find writing the first sentence to be the most daunting part of the entire research process. Be creative. Cluster (Rico 28-49). Clustering is a form of brainstorming. Sometimes called a web, the cluster forms a design that may suggest a natural organization for a paper. Here's a graphical depiction of brainstorming . Like a sun, the generating idea or topic lies at the center of the web. From it radiate words, phrases, sentences and images that in turn attract other words, phrases, sentences and images. Put another way--stay focused. Start with your outline. If clustering is not a technique that works for you, turn to the working outline you created during the research process. Use the outline view of your word processor. If you have not already done so, group your note cards according to topic headings. Compare them to your outline's major points. If necessary, change the outline to correspond with the headings on the note cards. If any area seems weak because of a scarcity of facts or opinions, return to your primary and/or secondary sources for more information or consider deleting that heading. Use your outline to provide balance in your essay. Each major topic should have approximately the same amount of information. Once you have written a working outline, consider two different methods for organizing it. Deduction: A process of development that moves from the general to the specific. You may use this approach to present your findings. However, as noted above, your research and interpretive process should be inductive. Deduction is the most commonly used form of organization for a research paper. The thesis statement is the generalization that leads to the specific support provided by primary and secondary sources. The thesis is stated early in the paper. The body of the paper then proceeds to provide the facts, examples, and analogies that flow logically from that thesis. The thesis contains key words that are reflected in the outline. These key words become a unifying element throughout the paper, as they reappear in the detailed paragraphs that support and develop the thesis. The conclusion of the paper circles back to the thesis, which is now far more meaningful because of the deductive development that supports it. Chronological order A process that follows a traditional time line or sequence of events. A chronological organization is useful for a paper that explores cause and effect. Parenthetical Documentation Back to Top The Works Cited page, a list of primary and secondary sources, is not sufficient documentation to acknowledge the ideas, facts, and opinions you have included within your text. The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers describes an efficient parenthetical style of documentation to be used within the body of your paper. Guidelines for parenthetical documentation: "References to the text must clearly point to specific sources in the list of works cited" (Gibaldi 184). Try to use parenthetical documentation as little as possible. For example, when you cite an entire work, it is preferable to include the author's name in the text. The author's last name followed by the page number is usually enough for an accurate identification of the source in the works cited list. These examples illustrate the most common kinds of documentation. Documenting a quotation: Ex. "The separation from the personal mother is a particularly intense process for a daughter because she has to separate from the one who is the same as herself" (Murdock 17). She may feel abandoned and angry. Note: The author of The Heroine's Journey is listed under Works Cited by the author's name, reversed--Murdock, Maureen. Quoted material is found on page 17 of that book. Parenthetical documentation is after the quotation mark and before the period. Documenting a paraphrase: Ex. In fairy tales a woman who holds the princess captive or who abandons her often needs to be killed (18). Note: The second paraphrase is also from Murdock's book The Heroine's Journey. It is not, however, necessary to repeat the author's name if no other documentation interrupts the two. If the works cited page lists more than one work by the same author, include within the parentheses an abbreviated form of the appropriate title. You may, of course, include the title in your sentence, making it unnecessary to add an abbreviated title in the citation. > Prepare a Works Cited Page Back to Top There are a variety of titles for the page that lists primary and secondary sources (Gibaldi 106-107). A Works Cited page lists those works you have cited within the body of your paper. The reader need only refer to it for the necessary information required for further independent research. Bibliography means literally a description of books. Because your research may involve the use of periodicals, films, art works, photographs, etc. "Works Cited" is a more precise descriptive term than bibliography. An Annotated Bibliography or Annotated Works Cited page offers brief critiques and descriptions of the works listed. A Works Consulted page lists those works you have used but not cited. Avoid using this format. As with other elements of a research paper there are specific guidelines for the placement and the appearance of the Works Cited page. The following guidelines comply with MLA style: The Work Cited page is placed at the end of your paper and numbered consecutively with the body of your paper. Center the title and place it one inch from the top of your page. Do not quote or underline the title. Double space the entire page, both within and between entries. The entries are arranged alphabetically by the author's last name or by the title of the article or book being cited. If the title begins with an article (a, an, the) alphabetize by the next word. If you cite two or more works by the same author, list the titles in alphabetical order. Begin every entry after the first with three hyphens followed by a period. All entries begin at the left margin but subsequent lines are indented five spaces. Be sure that each entry cited on the Works Cited page corresponds to a specific citation within your paper. Refer to the the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (104- 182) for detailed descriptions of Work Cited entries. Citing sources from online databases is a relatively new phenomenon. Make sure to ask your professor about citing these sources and which style to use. V. Draft, Revise, Rewrite, Rethink Back to Top "There are days when the result is so bad that no fewer than five revisions are required. In contrast, when I'm greatly inspired, only four revisions are needed." --John Kenneth Galbraith Try freewriting your first draft. Freewriting is a discovery process during which the writer freely explores a topic. Let your creative juices flow. In Writing without Teachers , Peter Elbow asserts that "[a]lmost everybody interposes a massive and complicated series of editings between the time words start to be born into consciousness and when they finally come off the end of the pencil or typewriter [or word processor] onto the page" (5). Do not let your internal judge interfere with this first draft. Creating and revising are two very different functions. Don't confuse them! If you stop to check spelling, punctuation, or grammar, you disrupt the flow of creative energy. Create; then fix it later. When material you have researched comes easily to mind, include it. Add a quick citation, one you can come back to later to check for form, and get on with your discovery. In subsequent drafts, focus on creating an essay that flows smoothly, supports fully, and speaks clearly and interestingly. Add style to substance. Create a smooth flow of words, ideas and paragraphs. Rearrange paragraphs for a logical progression of information. Transition is essential if you want your reader to follow you smoothly from introduction to conclusion. Transitional words and phrases stitch your ideas together; they provide coherence within the essay. External transition: Words and phrases that are added to a sentence as overt signs of transition are obvious and effective, but should not be overused, as they may draw attention to themselves and away from ideas. Examples of external transition are "however," "then," "next," "therefore." "first," "moreover," and "on the other hand." Internal transition is more subtle. Key words in the introduction become golden threads when they appear in the paper's body and conclusion. When the writer hears a key word repeated too often, however, she/he replaces it with a synonym or a pronoun. Below are examples of internal transition. Transitional sentences create a logical flow from paragraph to paragraph. Iclude individual words, phrases, or clauses that refer to previous ideas and that point ahead to new ones. They are usually placed at the end or at the beginning of a paragraph. A transitional paragraph conducts your reader from one part of the paper to another. It may be only a few sentences long. Each paragraph of the body of the paper should contain adequate support for its one governing idea. Speak/write clearly, in your own voice. Tone: The paper's tone, whether formal, ironic, or humorous, should be appropriate for the audience and the subject. Voice: Keep you language honest. Your paper should sound like you. Understand, paraphrase, absorb, and express in your own words the information you have researched. Avoid phony language. Sentence formation: When you polish your sentences, read them aloud for word choice and word placement. Be concise. Strunk and White in The Elements of Style advise the writer to "omit needless words" (23). First, however, you must recognize them. Keep yourself and your reader interested. In fact, Strunk's 1918 writing advice is still well worth pondering. First, deliver on your promises. Be sure the body of your paper fulfills the promise of the introduction. Avoid the obvious. Offer new insights. Reveal the unexpected. Have you crafted your conclusion as carefully as you have your introduction? Conclusions are not merely the repetition of your thesis. The conclusion of a research paper is a synthesis of the information presented in the body. Your research has led you to conclusions and opinions that have helped you understand your thesis more deeply and more clearly. Lift your reader to the full level of understanding that you have achieved. Revision means "to look again." Find a peer reader to read your paper with you present. Or, visit your college or university's writing lab. Guide your reader's responses by asking specific questions. Are you unsure of the logical order of your paragraphs? Do you want to know whether you have supported all opinions adequately? Are you concerned about punctuation or grammar? Ask that these issues be addressed. You are in charge. Here are some techniques that may prove helpful when you are revising alone or with a reader. When you edit for spelling errors read the sentences backwards. This procedure will help you look closely at individual words. Always read your paper aloud. Hearing your own words puts them in a new light. Listen to the flow of ideas and of language. Decide whether or not the voice sounds honest and the tone is appropriate to the purpose of the paper and to your audience. Listen for awkward or lumpy wording. Find the one right word, Eliminate needless words. Combine sentences. Kill the passive voice. Eliminate was/were/is/are constructions. They're lame and anti-historical. Be ruthless. If an idea doesn't serve your thesis, banish it, even if it's one of your favorite bits of prose. In the margins, write the major topic of each paragraph. By outlining after you have written the paper, you are once again evaluating your paper's organization. OK, you've got the process down. Now execute! And enjoy! It's not everyday that you get to make history. VI. For Further Reading: Works Cited Back to Top Barnet, Sylvan, and Hugo Bedau. Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing: A Brief Guide to Argument. Boston: Bedford, 1993. Brent, Doug. Reading as Rhetorical Invention: Knowledge,Persuasion and the Teaching of Research-Based Writing. Urbana: NCTE, 1992. Elbow, Peter. Writing without Teachers. New York: Oxford University Press, 1973. Gibladi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 4th ed. New York: Modern Language Association, 1995. Horvitz, Deborah. "Nameless Ghosts: Possession and Dispossession in Beloved." Studies in American Fiction , Vol. 17, No. 2, Autum, 1989, pp. 157-167. Republished in the Literature Research Center. Gale Group. (1 January 1999). Klauser, Henriette Anne. Writing on Both Sides of the Brain: Breakthrough Techniques for People Who Write. Philadelphia: Harper, 1986. Rico, Gabriele Lusser. Writing the Natural Way: Using Right Brain Techniques to Release Your Expressive Powers. Los Angeles: Houghton, 1983. Sorenson, Sharon. The Research Paper: A Contemporary Approach. New York: AMSCO, 1994. Strunk, William, Jr., and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 3rd ed. New York: MacMillan, 1979. Back to Top This guide adapted from materials published by Thomson Gale, publishers. For free resources, including a generic guide to writing term papers, see the Gale.com website , which also includes product information for schools.

An Introduction to Historical Research Design

Historical research design is a methodological approach that investigates and interprets past events, cultures, and phenomena through the analysis of historical sources. Researchers employing this design delve into primary and secondary sources, such as documents, artifacts, and testimonies, to construct a comprehensive understanding of the past.

This method involves critical analysis, contextualization, and the establishment of chronological frameworks to discern patterns, causes, and effects in historical developments. The goal is not only to narrate events but to interpret their significance within the broader historical context. Ethical considerations, including respect for privacy and sensitivity to diverse perspectives, are integral to the practice of historical research design. Overall, this approach contributes to our comprehension of the complexities and dynamics of human history across different periods and cultures.

This blog post aims to discuss the basics of Historical Research Design and advance your understanding concerning different aspects of this research design. This post is your gateway into the methodologies and intricacies of historical research design. From delving into ancient manuscripts to deciphering the narratives of bygone eras, historical research design is the key that unlocks the stories of our ancestors.

This write-up explores the fundamentals of Historical Research Design that shape the journey of researchers as they piece together the puzzle of history or archival documents at a time and will cover mainly the following areas.

What is Historical Research Design?

Why is it called Historical Research Design?

Definitions of Historical Research Design

Understanding of Historical Research Design from different perspectives
A brief history of Historical Research Design

What are the major fields of study in which Historical Research Design is used?

Can historical research design be used in health care?
What are the key characteristics/features of a Historical Research Design?

What are the types of Historical Research Design?

What is the main aim/purpose of a Historical Research Design?

These important topics are discussed here in detail:

Historical research design refers to the methodology and approach used by researchers to investigate and understand past events, phenomena, patterns and oral histories. It is a type of research design that focuses on studying historical data, documents, artifacts, and other sources to reconstruct and interpret events and their contexts.

It is a systematic approach to investigating past events using various sources of evidence, It involves identifying research questions, gathering data, analyzing evidence, and interpreting findings to gain a deeper understanding of the past.

Historical research design can be applied in various academic disciplines, including history, anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies. Researchers use a variety of methods, such as archival research, oral history interviews, and content analysis, to uncover and analyze historical data.

The term “Historical Research Design” encompasses the systematic approach that researchers employ to study and understand historical events and phenomena. Let’s break down the components of the name:

Historical: This term signifies the focus on the past. Historical research is concerned with events, cultures, and occurrences that have taken place in earlier times. It involves the examination of historical records, artifacts, and other sources to reconstruct and interpret the past.
Research: The term “research” emphasizes the systematic and investigative nature of the process. Researchers actively seek out and analyze information to answer specific questions or gain insights into historical issues. This involves a rigorous exploration of primary and secondary sources to gather evidence and construct a narrative.
Design: The inclusion of “design” highlights the structured and intentional nature of the methodology. In the context of historical research, design refers to the plan or framework that guides the research process. This plan involves considerations such as the selection of sources, methods of analysis, and the overall strategy for approaching historical questions.

In essence, “Historical Research Design” reflects the intentional and structured approach historians take when conducting research on the past events or happenings. It acknowledges that historical inquiry involves more than a casual exploration of the past; it requires a thoughtful and systematic design to uncover, interpret, and communicate the stories embedded in historical records.

Various authors have defined Historical Research Design differently. These minor differences can be attributed to several factors, including disciplinary backgrounds, theoretical perspectives, methodological preferences, and the evolving nature of historical scholarship. Here are some definitions of historical research design from different authors:

Robert V. Krueger and Mary A. Casey (2009) argued that historical research is a systematic study of the past, relying on primary and secondary sources to understand human events, trends, and processes over time. It involves a rigorous process of investigation, evaluation, and interpretation of evidence to reconstruct past events and develop meaningful historical narratives.

Similarly, Thomas J. Ricks (2009) believed that historical research is the use of historical sources, such as documents, artifacts, and oral histories, to investigate past events and develop an understanding of human behavior over time. It is a process of inquiry that involves identifying research questions, gathering and evaluating evidence, and constructing plausible explanations for past events.

According to William H. Sewell Jr. (2005) historical research is a systematic process of inquiry into the past that aims to reconstruct past events, identify causal relationships, and explain historical change. It involves the careful collection, evaluation, and interpretation of evidence to develop a nuanced understanding of the past. To Gabrielle M. Spiegel (2011) historical research is a mode of inquiry that employs a variety of methods and sources to investigate the past. It involves a process of critical analysis, interpretation, and synthesis to reconstruct past events and develop meaningful historical narratives.

Christine Lee (2014) elucidated that historical research is a systematic and rigorous approach to understanding the past through the examination of primary and secondary sources. It involves a process of identifying research questions, locating and evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, and communicating findings.

These definitions highlight the key aspects of historical research design, emphasizing its systematic approach, reliance on evidence, and focus on understanding the past. Historical research is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that requires careful consideration of sources, methods, and interpretations.

Understanding of Historical Research Design from different perspectives?

The general perspectives on historical research design have been expressed by scholars in their respective fields. These perspectives often converge on the systematic and methodological nature of historical research. However, it’s important to consult specific works by authors for their nuanced definitions. Here are some general perspectives:

Systematic investigation of the past: Historical research design refers to a systematic and intentional investigation of past events, cultures, and phenomena through the critical analysis of historical sources, artifacts, and records.
Methodological framework for understanding history: It is a methodological framework employed by researchers to explore and interpret the complexities of history, utilizing primary and secondary sources to construct a coherent narrative of the past.
Structured approach to uncover historical realities: Historical research design represents a structured approach to uncovering historical realities, involving the careful selection and analysis of diverse sources to reveal the multifaceted dimensions of historical events.
Organized exploration of primary and secondary sources: It involves the organized exploration of primary sources (contemporary documents, artifacts) and secondary sources (interpretations, analyses) to reconstruct historical events, understand causation, and appreciate the context in which they unfolded.
Chronological analysis and interpretation: Historical research design includes chronological analysis and interpretation, allowing researchers to establish timelines, identify patterns, and provide nuanced interpretations of historical developments.
Ethically grounded study of the past: It is an ethically grounded study of the past, requiring researchers to navigate issues of privacy, cultural sensitivity, and respect for diverse perspectives when engaging with historical sources and narratives.
Causal exploration and contextual understanding: Historical research design involves causal exploration, seeking to understand the factors and conditions that contributed to historical events. It emphasizes contextual understanding to provide a more comprehensive view of the past.
Triangulation of historical evidence: Researchers employ triangulation by cross-referencing multiple sources of historical evidence to enhance the reliability and validity of their findings, ensuring a more robust and well-supported historical narrative.
Interpretive analysis of significance: It goes beyond mere documentation by incorporating interpretive analysis, wherein researchers seek to understand and communicate the significance of historical events within the broader historical context.
Structured plan for historical inquiry: Historical research design is a structured plan guiding the entire process of historical inquiry, from the formulation of research questions to the synthesis of findings into a cohesive and meaningful historical narrative.

A brief history of Historical Research Design.

The development of historical research design is deeply intertwined with the evolution of historical methodology and the broader field of history. There are several key figures who have significantly contributed to shaping the methodologies and approaches used in historical research over time. It’s important to note that historical research design, as a formalized concept, has evolved gradually and does not have a single origin.

Here are some key milestones and contributors in the development of historical research design:

Leopold von Ranke (1795–1886): Often regarded as one of the founding figures of modern historical scholarship, Ranke emphasized the importance of using primary sources and adopting a critical, source-based approach. His influence contributed to the development of a more systematic and rigorous approach to historical research.
Charles Beard (1874–1948): Charles Beard, an American historian, advocated for an economic interpretation of history. His work, including “An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States,” influenced the study of history by highlighting the role of economic factors in shaping historical events.
Marc Bloch (1886–1944): A co-founder of the Annales School of history, Bloch emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and the study of long-term historical structures. His work encouraged a more comprehensive and contextual understanding of historical phenomena.
Fernand Braudel (1902–1985): Building on the Annales School tradition, Braudel introduced the concept of the “longue durée” (long term) in historical research. He encouraged historians to study the deep structures of history, including geography, climate, and social structures, over extended periods.
H. Carr (1892–1982): In his influential work “What Is History?” Carr discussed the role of the historian as an interpreter and emphasized the subjective nature of historical interpretation. He encouraged historians to be conscious of their biases and perspectives.
Natalie Zemon Davis (1928): Davis, a contemporary historian, has contributed to social history and emphasized the importance of including diverse voices and perspectives in historical research. Her work has influenced the study of history from the bottom up, focusing on the experiences of ordinary people.

While these scholars played crucial roles in shaping historical research methodologies, the concept of Historical Research Design emerged more formally in the 20th century as historians increasingly recognized the need for systematic approaches to guide their inquiries. Today, historical research design continues to evolve as scholars incorporate new methods, technologies, and interdisciplinary approaches into their studies.

Historical qualitative research design is employed across various fields where a nuanced understanding of the past is essential. This design can be applied in various academic disciplines, including history, anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies. Researchers use a variety of methods, such as archival research, oral history interviews, and content analysis, to uncover and analyze historical data.

In history itself, historians use qualitative methods to delve into primary sources, interpret narratives, and uncover the complexities of past events. Anthropologists apply historical qualitative research design to explore the cultural dynamics of past societies, while sociologists use it to investigate the historical context of social phenomena and societal structures. Archaeologists utilize qualitative methods to analyze artifacts within their historical context. Cultural studies scholars examine the historical development of cultural practices, identities, and representations. In literary studies, researchers employ historical qualitative research design to analyze texts in their historical and cultural contexts, unveiling the literary, social, and cultural dynamics of different periods. Education researchers explore the historical evolution of educational systems and practices. Political scientists investigate the historical development of political institutions, ideologies, and movements. In religious studies, scholars use historical qualitative research design to understand the development of religious beliefs and practices over time.

The interdisciplinary nature of historical qualitative research design makes it a versatile tool across numerous fields, enabling researchers to uncover the multifaceted dimensions of the past.

Can Historical Research Design be used in health care?

While historical qualitative research design is not as commonly associated with healthcare research as it is with disciplines like history or anthropology, it can indeed be applied in healthcare contexts. Historical qualitative research design in healthcare involves using qualitative methods to explore and understand the historical dimensions of healthcare practices, policies, and patient experiences. Here are a few ways in which historical qualitative research design can be applied in healthcare:

Evolution of healthcare practices: Researchers can use historical qualitative research design to investigate the historical development of healthcare practices, including medical treatments, diagnostic methods, and patient care. This can provide insights into the evolution of medical knowledge and the factors that have influenced healthcare delivery over time.
Health policy and institutions: Historical qualitative research can be employed to study the development of health policies, healthcare institutions, and the role of government in shaping healthcare systems. Understanding the historical context of healthcare policy can inform current debates and decision-making processes.
Patient experiences over time: Qualitative methods can be used to explore the historical experiences of patients in healthcare settings. This may involve examining historical documents, oral histories, or personal narratives to understand how individuals perceived and interacted with healthcare services in different eras.
Socio-cultural perspectives on health: Researchers can use historical qualitative research design to explore the socio-cultural dimensions of health and illness over time. This may include studying cultural beliefs, social attitudes toward health, and historical changes in the perception of diseases.
Ethical considerations in healthcare: Historical qualitative research can shed light on the ethical considerations in healthcare practices and research over different periods. This includes examining how ethical standards and practices have evolved and been influenced by societal values.
Development of healthcare technologies: Researchers can investigate the historical development of healthcare technologies and their impact on medical practices. This may include but limited to the adoption of new medical devices, diagnostic tools, and technological innovations in healthcare delivery.

While historical qualitative research design is not the primary methodology in healthcare research, its application can offer a richer understanding of the historical context in which healthcare systems and practices have evolved. It allows researchers to uncover the socio-cultural, ethical, and institutional factors that have shaped the healthcare landscape over time.

What are the key characteristics/features of Historical Research Design?

A well-crafted historical research design possesses several key characteristics and features that guide the systematic investigation and interpretation of past events. The key features of historical research design include:

Clear research questions: Historical research design begins with well-defined and focused research questions that set the direction for the investigation. These questions should be specific, relevant, and framed to address aspects of the past that the researcher aims to explore.
Use of primary and secondary sources: The design incorporates a strategy for gathering and analyzing both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are firsthand accounts or artifacts from the time being studied, while secondary sources include interpretations and analyses by later scholars.
Critical analysis: Historians engage in critical analysis of sources, evaluating their reliability, authenticity, and bias. This involves considering the context in which the sources were created and assessing the perspectives and motivations of the individuals involved.
Contextualization: Historical research design emphasizes placing events, individuals, and phenomena within their historical context. This involves understanding the social, cultural, economic, and political conditions that influenced and shaped the historical developments under investigation.
Chronological framework: Establishing a chronological framework is crucial in historical research. Researchers organize events and developments in a timeline, facilitating the understanding of the sequence of occurrences and their temporal relationships.
Interpretation: Historical research design includes an interpretative dimension. Researchers move beyond the mere narration of events to provide thoughtful interpretations of their meaning and significance. This involves analyzing patterns, causes, and consequences.
Causal analysis: Investigating causation is a common feature. Historical research design often explores the factors and conditions that led to specific events or changes over time. Researchers seek to identify and understand the causal relationships at play.
Triangulation: Researchers use triangulation by cross-referencing information from multiple sources to enhance the reliability and validity of their findings. This methodological approach strengthens the overall robustness of the historical narrative.
Ethical considerations: Ethical considerations are integral to historical research design. Researchers must respect the rights and privacy of individuals and communities represented in historical records. This involves sensitivity to cultural perspectives and responsible handling of historical data.
Reflective awareness of bias: Historians acknowledge the potential biases in historical sources and maintain a reflective awareness of their own biases. This self-awareness helps researchers approach the past with a critical yet open-minded perspective.
Clarity in methodology: The research design includes a clear and transparent methodology outlining how data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted. This clarity ensures that the research process is systematic and replicable.

These key characteristics collectively contribute to a well-designed and rigorous historical research study, enabling researchers to uncover and communicate a nuanced understanding of the past.

Historical research design encompasses various approaches and methods tailored to the specific goals of a study. Here are several types of historical research design:

Descriptive research design: This type involves a detailed and comprehensive exploration of historical events, providing a thorough account without necessarily delving into causation or interpretation. It is often the starting point for historical inquiries.
Explanatory research design: Explanatory designs aim to uncover the reasons or causes behind historical events or phenomena. Researchers using this design seek to understand the factors that contributed to specific outcomes in the past.
Comparative research design: Comparative historical research involves analyzing similarities and differences between different historical contexts or events. By examining multiple cases, researchers can identify patterns, variations, and underlying factors.
Longitudinal research design: Longitudinal designs track the development of a specific subject or phenomenon over an extended period. This approach is valuable for studying changes and continuities across different historical epochs.
Retrospective research design: Researchers employing a retrospective design study historical events or phenomena that have already occurred. This design is common in medical and epidemiological research, where investigators examine past events to identify potential causes.
Oral history research design: Oral history designs involve collecting and analyzing firsthand accounts of individuals who have lived through specific historical events. This approach is particularly valuable for preserving and understanding personal experiences.
Biographical research design: Biographical research designs focus on the life and experiences of a particular individual in history. By examining an individual’s biography, researchers can gain insights into broader historical contexts.
Content analysis research design: Content analysis involves systematically analyzing and interpreting the content of historical documents, texts, or artifacts. Researchers use this design to identify patterns, themes, and trends within the historical record.
Archival research design: Archival research designs center on the systematic examination of historical documents, records, and materials housed in archives. This approach is fundamental for uncovering primary sources and constructing historical narratives.
Narrative research design: Narrative research designs focus on the storytelling aspect of historical research. Researchers construct narratives to convey the sequence of events and interpret the meaning and significance of historical occurrences.

These types of historical research designs are not mutually exclusive, and researchers often employ a combination of approaches to address their research questions comprehensively. The choice of design depends on the nature of the historical inquiry and the specific goals of the study.

The aim or purpose of a historical research design is to systematically investigate and interpret past events, cultures, and phenomena. The design provides a structured framework for conducting historical research, guiding researchers in their exploration of the past. The key purposes of a historical research design include:

Understanding the past: The primary aim of historical research design is to deepen our understanding of the past. Researchers seek to uncover and analyze historical events, cultures, and developments, aiming to provide insights into the complexities of human history.
Reconstructing historical narratives: Historical research design facilitates the reconstruction of historical narratives. Researchers use a combination of primary and secondary sources to piece together a coherent and accurate account of what happened in the past.
Interpreting significance: Historical research design aims to interpret the significance of historical events and phenomena. It goes beyond mere documentation, offering insights into the meaning and implications of past occurrences within their historical context.
Identifying patterns and trends: Researchers use historical research design to identify patterns, trends, and recurring themes in historical data. This helps in recognizing broader historical forces, social changes, and cultural shifts over time.
Exploring causation: Historical research design allows researchers to explore causation in historical events. By analyzing the factors and conditions that led to specific outcomes, researchers seek to understand the cause-and-effect relationships shaping the past.
Contextualizing historical developments: Contextualization is a key purpose of historical research design. Researchers aim to place historical events within their broader social, cultural, economic, and political context, providing a more comprehensive understanding.
Contributing to historical knowledge: Historical research design contributes to the body of historical knowledge. By conducting rigorous and systematic research, scholars add new insights, perspectives, and interpretations to our collective understanding of the past.
Preserving cultural heritage: Historical research design plays a role in preserving cultural heritage. By documenting and interpreting historical events, researchers contribute to the preservation of cultural and historical artifacts, traditions, and memories.
Informing contemporary understanding: Historical research design has the purpose of informing contemporary understanding. By studying the past, researchers and society at large can gain insights into the origins of current issues, institutions, and cultural practices.
Enhancing critical thinking: Engaging in historical research design cultivates critical thinking skills. Researchers must critically analyze sources, question assumptions, and navigate complexities, fostering a disciplined and rigorous approach to understanding the past.

In summary, the aim of historical research design is multifaceted, encompassing the exploration, interpretation, and contextualization of the past to contribute to our broader understanding of human history. The choice of research design depends on the specific research questions being investigated and the availability of relevant sources. Historians often employ a combination of methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of the past.

These types of historical research design represent the diverse approaches that historians employ to investigate the past. Each approach has its strengths and limitations, and the choice of method depends on the specific research objectives and the nature of the available evidence.

The next blog post provides you with a step-by-step guide for developing a historical research design and will cover the following important topics:

Importance of Historical Research Design
Strengths and limitations of Historical Research Design
What research philosophy suits Historical Research Design?
Why do researchers select a Historical research design?
Is the Historical research design qualitative or quantitative in nature?
What are the most commonly used data collection methods in Historical Research Design?
How to develop a Historical Research Design?
What are the procedures involved in Historical Design?
How many participants used to be engaged in Historical Research?
What is the common format or structure of a Historical Research Study?
How long should be a Historical Research study?
Who utilizes the Historical Research?
How is Historical Research Design used?

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Historical Research – A Guide Based on its Uses & Steps

Published by Alvin Nicolas at August 16th, 2021 , Revised On August 29, 2023

History is a study of past incidents, and it’s different from natural science. In natural science, researchers prefer direct observations. Whereas in historical research, a researcher collects, analyses the information to understand, describe, and explain the events that occurred in the past.

They aim to test the truthfulness of the observations made by others. Historical researchers try to find out what happened exactly during a certain period of time as accurately and as closely as possible. It does not allow any manipulation or control of variables .

When to Use the Historical Research Method?

You can use historical research method to:

Uncover the unknown fact.
Answer questions
Identify the association between the past and present.
Understand the culture based on past experiences..
Record and evaluate the contributions of individuals, organisations, and institutes.

How to Conduct Historical Research?

Historical research involves the following steps:

Select the Research Topic
Collect the Data
Analyse the Data
Criticism of Data
Present your Findings

Tips to Collect Data

Step 1 – select the research topic.

If you want to conduct historical research, it’s essential to select a research topic before beginning your research. You can follow these tips while choosing a topic and developing a research question .

Consider your previous study as your previous knowledge and data can make your research enjoyable and comfortable for you.
List your interests and focus on the current events to find a promising question.
Take notes of regular activities and consider your personal experiences on a specific topic.
Develop a question using your research topic.
Explore your research question by asking yourself when? Why? How

Step 2- Collect the Data

It is essential to collect data and facts about the research question to get reliable outcomes. You need to select an appropriate instrument for data collection . Historical research includes two sources of data collection, such as primary and secondary sources.

Primary Sources

Primary sources are the original first-hand resources such as documents, oral or written records, witnesses to a fact, etc. These are of two types, such as:

Conscious Information : It’s a type of information recorded and restored consciously in the form of written, oral documents, or the actual witnesses of the incident that occurred in the past.

It includes the following sources:

Unconscious information : It’s a type of information restored in the form of remains or relics.

It includes information in the following forms:

Secondary Sources

Sometimes it’s impossible to access primary sources, and researchers rely on secondary sources to obtain information for their research.

It includes:

Publications
Periodicals
Encyclopedia

Step 3 – Analyse the Data

After collecting the information, you need to analyse it. You can use data analysis methods like

Thematic analysis
Coding system
Theoretical model ( Researchers use multiple theories to explain a specific phenomenon, situations, and behavior types.)
Quantitative data to validate

Step 4 – Criticism of Data

Data criticism is a process used for identifying the validity and reliability of the collected data. It’s of two types such as:

External Criticism :

It aims at identifying the external features of the data such as signature, handwriting, language, nature, spelling, etc., of the documents. It also involves the physical and chemical tests of paper, paint, ink, metal cloth, or any collected object.

Internal Criticism :

It aims at identifying the meaning and reliability of the data. It focuses on the errors, printing, translation, omission, additions in the documents. The researchers should use both external and internal criticism to ensure the validity of the data.

Step 5 – Present your Findings

While presenting the findings of your research , you need to ensure that you have met the objectives of your research or not. Historical material can be organised based on the theme and topic, and it’s known as thematic and topical arrangement. You can follow these tips while writing your research paper :

Build Arguments and Narrative

Your research aims not just to collect information as these are the raw materials of research. You need to build a strong argument and narrate the details of past events or incidents based on your findings.

Organise your Argument

You can review the literature and other researchers’ contributions to the topic you’ve chosen to enhance your thinking and argument.

Proofread, Revise and Edit

After putting your findings on a paper, you need to proofread it to weed out the errors, rewrite it to improve, and edit it thoroughly before submitting it.

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In this world of technology, many people rely on Google to find out any information. All you have to do is enter a few keywords and sit back. You’ll find several relevant results onscreen.

It’s an effective and quick way of gathering information. Sometimes historical documents are not accessible to everyone online, and you need to visit traditional libraries to find out historical treasures. It will help you explore your knowledge along with data collection.

You can visit historical places, conduct interviews, review literature, and access primary and secondary data sources such as books, newspapers, publications, documents, etc. You can take notes while collecting the information as it helps to organise the data accurately.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Historical Research

Frequently asked questions, what are the initial steps to perform historical research.

Initial steps for historical research:

Define research scope and period.
Gather background knowledge.
Identify primary and secondary sources.
Develop research questions.
Plan research approach.
Begin data collection and analysis.

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COMMENTS

Historical
Strengths. Can provide a fuller picture of the scope of the research as it covers a wider range of sources. As an example, documents such as diaries, oral histories and official records and newspaper reports were used to identify a scurvy and smallpox epidemic among Klondike gold rushers (Highet p3). Unobtrusiveness of this research method.
(Pdf) Historical Research Design
Ex post facto study or after-the-fact research is a category of research design in which the investigation starts after the fact has occurred without interference from the researcher. View full ...
Historical Research
Develop a research design: Develop a research design that outlines the methods you will use to collect and analyze data. This design should be based on the research question and should be feasible given the resources and time available. ... The purpose of historical research is to study the past in order to gain a better understanding of the ...
HISTORICAL RESEARCH: A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHOD
Jovita Junilla. This paper is a write-up about one of many qualitative research method, namely historical research method. See full PDF. download Download PDF. Historical Method: A Critical Review. IJRASET Publication. International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET), 2023.
Historical Design in Research
An example of historical research design is the study of primary and secondary sources, such as historical documents and archives (diplomatics) in researching an event from the past ...
A Step by Step Guide to Doing Historical Research
This step-by-step guide progresses from an introduction to historical resources to information about how to identify a topic, craft a thesis and develop a research paper. Table of contents: The Range and Richness of Historical Sources. Secondary Sources. Primary Sources.
Historical Research Design: A step-by-step guide on how to develop it
Developing a historical research design involves a systematic step-by-step process. Begin by clearly defining your research questions and conducting a thorough review of existing literature to identify gaps and establish the context. Choose a research philosophy and approach that align with your goals, and select appropriate data sources ...
PDF What is Historical Research?
What is Historical Research? Stephen Petrina May 2020 History— Few methods reduce to cliché as readily as history: ... p. 69). If conceptual history is a study of "conceptual change," then perceptual history is a study of "perceptual change" or how and why phenomena are encountered, entangled, and experienced differently (Taylor ...
An Introduction to Historical Research Design
Historical research design is a methodological approach that investigates and interprets past events, cultures, and phenomena through the analysis of historical sources. Researchers employing this design delve into primary and secondary sources, such as documents, artifacts, and testimonies, to construct a comprehensive understanding of the past.
Historical Research
Learn how to conduct historical research to understand past incidents, events, and cultures. Find out the sources, methods, and tips for collecting, analysing, and presenting data on historical topics.