Historiography and Historical Methods

Historiography

The study of how history has been written, interpreted, and presented over time.

Primary Sources

Original materials from the period under study, providing firsthand accounts or direct evidence.

Secondary Sources

Interpretations and analyses of primary sources, often created by historians.

Source Criticism

The rigorous evaluation of historical sources to ascertain their validity and reliability.

Archival Research

Systematic investigation through primary documents housed in archives, libraries, and special collections.

Oral History

Collecting and studying historical information using interviews with individuals who have firsthand knowledge of past events.

Quantitative Methods

Using statistical analysis and numerical data to identify patterns and trends in historical research.

Qualitative Methods

Analyzing non-numerical data such as narratives, texts, and interviews to understand experiences and perspectives.

Progressive Historians

Historians in the early 20th century who emphasized economic interests and class conflict in their historical interpretations.

Consensus Historians

Historians in the mid-20th century who highlighted shared values and continuity in American history, downplaying conflicts.

New Social History

A movement focusing on the experiences of ordinary people and marginalized groups, shifting attention from elites.

Ethnohistory

Combines historical and ethnographic methods to study the history of indigenous peoples.

Cultural History

Examines the beliefs, values, and practices of past societies, exploring how culture influences history.

Objectivity vs. Subjectivity

The challenge in historical writing of presenting unbiased accounts while recognizing personal perspectives.

Revisionism

The reinterpretation of historical events based on new evidence or perspectives, often controversial.

Digital Humanities

Utilizes computational tools for analyzing historical sources and presenting research in innovative ways.

Global History

Focuses on the interconnectedness of human societies across cultures and time periods.

Environmental History

Examines the interaction between humans and the natural world throughout history.

Memory Studies

Investigates how societies remember and construct narratives about the past.

Microhistory

Intensive study of small-scale units to reveal broader cultural and social patterns.

Postcolonial History

Critically examines the legacies of colonialism and its continuing impacts on societies.