Historical+Research

=Historical Research (Research Methods) (GWU EMSE 216-8000)=

Index | Topics | Lectures | Course Work | Reference

"Historical analysis is the process of __interrogating the past__ with a focus on current thinking, all available data, and contemporary analytical methods." Dr. Ryan, RRG, 3/31/2015 in preparing for a cyber proposal defense review session.

Historical Method: " the process of establishing general facts and principles through attention to chronology and to [|the] [|evolution] or historical course of [|what] is being studied." [1] Dictionaly.com

"The process of learning and understanding the background and growth of a chosen field of study or profession can offer insight into organizational culture, current trends, and future possibilities. The historical method of research applies to all fields of study because it encompasses their: origins, growth, theories, personalities, crisis, etc. Both [|quantitative]and [|qualitative]variables can be used in the collection of historical information. Once the decision is made to conduct historical research, there are steps that should be followed to achieve a reliable result. Charles Busha and Stephen Harter detail six steps for conducting historical research (91):" [2]

Short Description


 * ** Background: **
 * ** Appropriate uses of the method, including examples **
 * ** Details of the method: **
 * 1) "the recognition of a historical problem or the identification of a need for certain historical knowledge.
 * 2) "the gathering of as much relevant information about the problem or topic as possible.
 * 3) "if appropriate, the forming of hypothesis that tentatively explain relationships between historical factors.
 * 4) "The rigorous collection and organization of evidence, and the verification of the authenticity and veracity of information and its sources.
 * 5) "The selection, organization, and analysis of the most pertinent collected evidence, and the drawing of conclusions; and
 * 6) "the recording of conclusions in a meaningful narrative." [2] citing [3]
 * ** Strengths, limitations and problems associated with use of the method: **
 * ** Potential EMSE Uses: **


 * [|Good slide presentation on Historical Research]


 * Sources**
 * 1) historical method. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved March 13, 2011, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/historical method
 * 2) Plamquist, Ruth, A. (unk). Historical Approach to Research, University of Texas at Austin. Downloaded March 13, 2011 11:39 from []
 * 3) Busha, Charles and Stephen P. Harter. //Research Methods in Librarianship: techniques and Interpretations.// Academic Press: New York, NY, 1980.[Note: Found in [2]]

Contributors: Sisson