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Historical Research
Overview
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.
Credit: NOAA CSC Social Science Methods for Marine Protected Areas Managers
General Considerations
Application
Historical research gives social scientists 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 social scientist a better context for making realistic decisions.
Strengths and Limitations
- 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
Examples and Case Studies
 Using Ethnography to Document Traditional Practices in Kadavu, FijiUnderstanding the history and culture of Fijians and integrating these into current MPA management. |
Expertise Needed
This technique can often be conducted with in-house expertise. Some assistance may be required in locating data sources.
Contact Information
Please email partner@hd.gov for a list of partners who have expertise in historical research.
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.