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Engaging in Historical Research Methods

The document outlines the concept of 'Doing History,' which involves actively researching and analyzing historical evidence. It emphasizes the importance of using credible sources for online research, as well as utilizing libraries and archives for authentic materials. Additionally, it discusses the significance of life histories and local oral history in understanding individual and community experiences.

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John Ashlee Rosal
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5 views2 pages

Engaging in Historical Research Methods

The document outlines the concept of 'Doing History,' which involves actively researching and analyzing historical evidence. It emphasizes the importance of using credible sources for online research, as well as utilizing libraries and archives for authentic materials. Additionally, it discusses the significance of life histories and local oral history in understanding individual and community experiences.

Uploaded by

John Ashlee Rosal
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Lesson 5: Doing History

Overview: ‘Doing History’ means actively engaging in discovering, interpreting, and analyzing
evidence about the past. Historians do not just read history—they research, verify, and reconstruct
it using different methods.

1. Doing Historical Research Online


The internet offers vast resources for historians—from digital archives to academic journals.
However, online research must be critical and source-based.

Tips: Use credible sites (universities, museums, government). Verify authorship, date, and
purpose. Prefer digitized primary sources and beware of misinformation.

2. Doing Historical Research in Libraries and Archives


Libraries and archives store printed and unpublished materials that provide authentic evidence
about the past.

Sources: Books, journals, manuscripts, government documents, newspapers, and microfilms.


Examples: National Archives, UP Main Library, National Library of the Philippines.

3. Doing Life Histories and Biographical Research


This focuses on individual experiences to understand the broader context of their time. It uses
autobiographies, letters, diaries, and interviews.
Example: Studying Jose Rizal’s life reveals both his personal struggles and the Spanish colonial
period.

4. Doing Local and Oral History


This focuses on communities and traditions, giving voice to ordinary people and preserving
unwritten local heritage.
Techniques: Conduct respectful interviews, record testimonies, and verify oral accounts with
documents.

Type of Research Main Focus Common Sources Key Skills


Online Research Digital data and archives Websites, e-journals Source evaluation
Library & Archive Research
Printed and official records Books, manuscripts Cataloging, citation
Life Histories & BiographiesIndividual experiences Letters, interviews Biographical analysis
Local & Oral History Community memories Interviews, local records Recording, interviewing

Reflection Questions:
1. Why is it important to use multiple sources when doing historical research?
2. How can oral history preserve the culture and identity of a community?
3. What challenges do historians face when doing online research today?

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