Historical Research

The word history can refer both to the sum of all human experience over time and to the study of these experiences. Therefore, history not only produces its own history, but it can provide a sense of one’s own identity and allow for the better understanding of the present human condition. It also corrects misleading lessons of the past, helps to develop acceptance and appreciation of other cultures or realities, and affords the opportunity to engage in deep critical thinking. A study of the past can provide modern researchers with many interesting lessons; undertaking a historical study requires researchers to think as historians, identify source materials, analyze them carefully, and employ refined methodologies that can lead to sound interpretations. This entry looks at how researchers ...