Historical-Comparative Research

Neuman and Robson Ch. 14

Value of Historical Research

It throws light on present and future trends.

It enables understanding of and solutions to contemporary problems to be sought in the past.

It can illuminate the effects of key interactions within a culture or sub-culture.

It allows for the revaluation of data in relation to selected hypotheses, theories and generalizations that are presently held about the past and the present.

Steps in a Historical-Comparative Research Project

1. Conceptualization of an idea, topic, or research question

2. Locate evidence and do background literature review

3. Evaluate evidence 4. Organize evidence 5. Synthesize evidence and develop general

explanatory model 6. Develop a narrative exposition of the

findings

Data Sources

Primary Sources: first-hand or eyewitness observations of

phenomenon Secondary Sources:

second-hand observation, i.e. the author collected the data from eyewitnesses.

Running Records Statistics, gov’t data

Recollections

What is Oral History?

Video clip:The Oral History Research Method

Oral History Oral history interviewing is valuable for history,

anthropology, and folklore. Collects information about the past from observers

and participants in that past. Gathers data not available in written records about

events, people, decisions, and processes. Can show how individual values and actions shaped

the past, and how the past shapes present-day values and actions.

Methodological problem: Oral history interviews are grounded in memory, and

memory is a subjective instrument for recording the past, always shaped by the present moment and the individual psyche.

Why Collect Oral Histories?

Listen to Ann Nixon Cooper (104 years old) and her recollections of the American south and “the Jim Crow days”

Evaluating Sources

External Criticism: Appraises the authenticity and authorship of the

data source

Internal Criticism: Appraises the meaning and intent of the data

source

Types Of Historical Research

A. Historical Events Research examines particular events or processes that

occurred over short spans of time Methodological problems

Meanings may have changed Information may not be complete

Types (cont.)

B. Historical Process Research focus on how and why a series of events unfolded

over some period of time Methodological problems:

May place too much emphasis on the actions and decisions of particular actors

Not always clear which example represents general pattern

definitions may change over time relies on long-term records and archives

Types (cont.)

C. Cross-Sectional Comparative Research comparing two or more social settings or groups

(usually countries) at one particular point in time Methodological problems:

comparability of measures across countries

Types (cont.)

D. Comparative Historical Research combines historical process researchand cross-sectional comparative research To understand causal processes at work within

particular groups and to identify general historical patterns across groups

Methodological problems: history has not been recorded accurately or reliably difficult to know how to deal with exceptions difficult to conclude that one factor (and not others) is

what causes some outcome groups being compared may not be independent

(Galton’s Problem)

Equivalence in Historical Research

How can we make comparisons across diverse contexts (both in time and geography)?

Lexicon equivalence Contextual equivalence Conceptual equivalence Measurement equivalence

Weaknesses of Historical Method

1. Bias in interpreting historical sources. 2. Interpreting sources is very time

consuming. 3. Sources of historical materials may be

problematic 4. Lack of control over external variables

Strengths of Historical Method

1. The historical method is unobtrusive 2. The historical method is well suited for

trend analysis. 3. There is no possibility of researcher-

subject interaction.

Interesting Internet Sites on Historical Research

Multimedia History Tutorials at U. of Calgary http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/

Where To Do Historical Research (Links) http://www.wheretodoresearch.com/History.htm

History On-Line http://www.ihrinfo.ac.uk/search/welcome.html

University of Washington History Site http://www.lib.washington.edu/subject/History/

Oral History Digital Collection Youngstown State U. http://www.maag.ysu.edu/oralhistory/oral_hist.html

Oral History Project List Columbia University http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/indiv/oral/projects.html