HISTORICAL RESEARCH

      HISTORICAL RESEARCH

Definition of the method/technique 

Historical research is a systematic investigation of past events, people, societies, and ideas based on available evidence, documents, and sources. It aims to understand and interpret historical phenomena, analyze their causes and effects, and provide insights into the development and evolution of human societies.In doing so, researchers rely heavily on primary historical data (direct accounts of events, archival data - official documents, personal records, and records of eyewitnesses) and less frequently on secondary historical data (information from persons who did not witness the event; e.g. textbooks, newspapers, encyclopedias).

Characteristics of the method/technique 

● Historical research data is subject to external criticism (verification of genuineness or validity of the       source) and internal criticism (exploring the meaning of the source). 

● Historical research has time and place dimensions. Simple chronology is not considered historical          research because it does not interpret the meaning of events. 

Main uses of the method/technique 

Comparing accounts of historical events and the activity that surrounded them is done through historical research. Additionally, this kind of research aids in the preservation of historical information so that it does not vanish and the sequencing of historical events.

Advantages and Disadvantages of using the method Advantages:

★ The situation being researched is unrelated to the research. 

★ The study subjects are not interacted with by the researchers 

★ Historical data analysis may be used to explain current and upcoming events. 

★ No other technique gives us the chance to learn more about historical events. 

★ In order to avoid such similar situations in the future, it might be quite helpful to pinpoint important      aspects of prior unfortunate incidents. In other words, it can impart historical knowledge. 

★ It might lead to a significant global discovery. 

★ The event does not include a researcher.

Disadvantages: 

❖ Historical information is imprecise and susceptible to the passage of time (wars can destroy                     documentation).

❖ Additionally, it may be corrupt and biased (e.g., the author's influence on letters, diaries, and other           writings).

❖ Because the subjects of research (such as the study of a society) are impacted by multiple aspects           that must be tak

❖ Due to a paucity of sources and data, not all historical events can be investigated. If the events are           further in the past, research becomes more difficult.

 ❖ Finding a cause for one occurrence does not necessarily guarantee that another event will follow for        the same cause. Considering that it might have occurred in a completely different situation in the            past. 

❖ Depending on the historical event and the data's availability, the research may take longer. 

❖ The outcome is not in the researcher's hands. en into account and studied, historical research is a                    complicated and wide-ranging  field. 

❖ Sources might not be trustworthy and might give false information regarding the events.