Historical Research
What Is Historical Research?
Historical research is a type of secondary data analysis to determine
past social attitudes and community structure and how these have changed
over time.
Historical research can be accomplished with several types of sources,
including
Historical Literature
Historical resources may include library materials, special collections,
and museum collections. They are often the most effective means of gaining
information.
Archival Literature
Materials in archives are useful for studying cultural processes through
time and finding specific material from original documents.
Oral Histories and Traditions
Oral histories help gain insight into an event or situation by gathering
personal accounts from informants who recall events, places, or incidents.
Traditions are information and beliefs handed down through generations
by word of mouth or by example. An understanding of oral traditions
is often key in communicating with different cultures.
MPA Application
Historical research gives MPA managers a much better picture of who
uses the area and how it has been used. Understanding the history of
the area will often give a much clearer picture of how communities and
groups have evolved regarding attitudes, perceptions, and uses. Historical
research gives a manager a better context for making realistic management
decisions.
Expertise Needed
This technique can often be conducted with in-house expertise. Some
assistance may be required in locating data sources.
Advantages
- Provides a comprehensive picture of historical trends
- Uses existing information
- Provides evidence of ongoing trends and problems
Limitations
- Time-consuming
- Resources may be hard to locate
- Resources may be conflicting
- May not identify cause of a problem
- Information may be incomplete, obsolete, inconclusive, or inaccurate
- Data restricted to what already exists
Case Studies
Additional Resources
Institute
for Historical Research
This institute provides resources on historical research and publishes
the Historical Research journal.
Oral History: A Guide for Conducting Naval Historical Interviews
Guidelines and resources to conduct interviews and develop transcripts.
Oral
History Resources
Links related to methodology, organizations, projects, and workshops.
What
Is Oral History?
A collection of oral history information from Ohio University.This site
describes oral history, its uses, planning and conducting oral history
interviews, and videotaping techniques.