Historical Research

Topics Covered in Session 5

Historical Research

Historical research is descriptive research that involves describing and interpreting events, conditions, or situations of the past. As with all history, the purpose is to study the past in order to understand the present, and maybe to plan for the future.
A common characteristic of historical research is an in-depth analysis (case study) of source documents (student transcripts, policy statements, memoranda, etc.) and oral histories (if individuals are still available from the period). It is possibly the least popular form of educational research in terms of the number of studies produced on an annual basis. Grant and other types of educational research funding tend to favor current issues and conditions. Historical research also can be difficult if the period is far enough back in time that records are not readily available and individuals associated with the event are no longer alive. However, if done well, historical research can be most interesting particularly if a connection is made to a present issue or situation.

Basic Characteristics of Historical Research are:

Data Sources

Research Tools

Procedural Considerations

Report Presentation

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE TOPICS COVERED IN THIS SESSION, PLEASE REFER TO CHAPTER 1 OF A.G. PICCIANO "EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH PRIMER".