History research method are the foundation for understanding how we investigate, analyze, and present the events of the past. For anyone studying history, developing a deep knowledge of these methods is essential. Whether you're a student preparing for your first research paper or an experienced scholar refining your approach, it's important to grasp the various components that make up the study and writing of history. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what history really is, the different types of history, the nature of historical research, the ways history can be written, the steps involved in carrying out historical research, and how to craft an effective introductory chapter for a research project.
To begin understanding history research methods, we must first address a fundamental question—what is history?
What is History?
The word “history” can be interpreted in multiple ways depending on the angle from which it is being viewed. There are three common perspectives on what history means. The first is the view of history as the events of the past. In this sense, history is everything that has happened before the present moment—wars, discoveries, social changes, political movements, and more. When people say, “This belongs to history,” they often refer to past events that have shaped the current world.
The second perspective sees history as the process of documenting or recording those past events. From this angle, history is not just what happened, but how we know what happened. It involves collecting, verifying, and interpreting evidence from different sources to piece together a picture of the past. Historians use written documents, oral testimonies, artifacts, and other materials to reconstruct events as accurately as possible. This perspective brings in the historian as a researcher and storyteller.
The third view sees history as a discipline or a professional calling. In this sense, history is a field of study, much like biology or economics. Historians are professionals who apply critical thinking and research skills to study human behavior over time. They are trained to analyze evidence, interpret meanings, and contribute to scholarly discussions about how the past influences the present and future. This professional perspective emphasizes not just knowing the past, but understanding it within a broader academic and societal context.
Types of History
There are different ways to approach and write about history, and two major types stand out: narrative history and analytical history.
Narrative history is centered on storytelling. It presents events in a chronological order and often focuses on the people, places, and events that drive the story. This type of history is commonly found in biographies, documentaries, and traditional history books that aim to paint a vivid picture of what happened. Narrative history seeks to engage readers by bringing the past to life through compelling descriptions and personal accounts. It helps people connect with history on an emotional and human level.
Analytical history, on the other hand, goes beyond telling what happened. It asks why things happened and what the consequences were. This type of history is more focused on interpretation and critical analysis. It involves comparing different sources, examining causes and effects, and debating various viewpoints. Analytical history is often used in academic research where the goal is to provide deeper insights into historical processes, ideologies, economic changes, and cultural shifts. While it may be less dramatic than narrative history, it provides a more complex and reasoned understanding of historical phenomena.
What is Historical Research?
Historical research is the process of systematically investigating past events to understand and interpret them. It involves gathering evidence, evaluating sources, constructing arguments, and presenting findings in a coherent manner. This kind of research helps uncover new facts, challenge old beliefs, and contribute to the ongoing discussion about history and its relevance.
The development of research skills is critical in historical research. It begins with identifying a research topic that is both interesting and researchable. The topic should be specific enough to allow for in-depth study but broad enough to find sufficient materials. For example, studying the role of women in Nigeria’s independence movement is more focused and manageable than trying to cover the entire independence struggle.
After selecting a topic, the next step is to assess the availability of research materials. These may include primary sources such as government records, letters, newspapers, and photographs, as well as secondary sources like books, journal articles, and documentaries. A good historian must be able to judge the reliability and usefulness of sources, recognizing bias, gaps, and context.
Ethical behavior is another key aspect of historical research. Researchers must respect the integrity of their sources, avoid plagiarism, and present their findings honestly. It is important to acknowledge where information comes from and to avoid altering facts to fit a preferred narrative. This ethical responsibility ensures that history remains a trustworthy and meaningful discipline.
Modes of Historical Writing
The way history is written can vary depending on the purpose and audience. There are four main modes of historical writing: descriptive, narrative, expository, and argumentative.
Descriptive writing in history aims to provide a clear and detailed account of events or situations. It focuses on painting a picture of what happened, where, when, and who was involved. This mode does not usually go deep into causes or implications but provides the foundational facts needed for further analysis.
Narrative writing, as mentioned earlier, tells the story of the past. It has a beginning, middle, and end, and often includes elements of character, setting, and conflict. This mode helps readers visualize history and understand the sequence of events, making it useful for educational and popular writing.
Expository writing explains historical concepts or events. It focuses on clarification and teaching. A history textbook, for example, is often written in an expository style to help students understand historical trends, terminology, and frameworks. This mode breaks down complex ideas into understandable parts and connects facts with broader themes.
Argumentative writing takes a position on a historical issue and defends it with evidence. It is common in academic settings where historians present theses about causes of events, the impact of decisions, or interpretations of sources. Argumentative writing develops critical thinking and encourages scholarly debate. It goes beyond just stating facts and pushes the writer to make a reasoned case supported by evidence.
Steps in Historical Research
Historical research follows a logical process that guides the researcher from the initial idea to the final conclusion. This process begins with selecting a research topic, as previously discussed. Once a topic is chosen, the researcher formulates research questions or hypotheses that guide the investigation. These questions help focus the study and determine what kind of sources and data are needed.
Next comes the collection of data. This involves locating primary and secondary sources, reading extensively, taking notes, and organizing information. It is important to be systematic at this stage to avoid confusion later. Notes should be detailed and include references for easy citation.
After gathering data, the researcher begins the analysis. This means comparing sources, identifying patterns, and drawing connections. Critical thinking is essential during this stage to separate relevant information from irrelevant details and to understand the context of each piece of evidence.
The next step is writing the draft. This involves organizing ideas into a coherent structure, developing an argument, and presenting findings clearly. The writing process often includes multiple drafts and revisions to refine the language and strengthen the analysis.
Finally, the work is reviewed and finalized. This may include proofreading, formatting, adding citations, and preparing the bibliography. Depending on the setting, the research may also be presented to a committee, published, or shared publicly.
How to Write the Introductory Chapter in Research
The introductory chapter is one of the most important parts of a research project. It sets the tone for the entire work and gives readers a clear idea of what to expect. Writing a strong introduction requires clarity, focus, and purpose.
Begin the introduction with a general background to the topic. This section should provide context and explain why the subject is important. For example, if the research is about colonial education in West Africa, the introduction should briefly describe colonial history and its impact on education systems.
Next, define the research problem. What is the specific issue being investigated? Why does it matter? This section helps the reader understand the focus of the study and what gaps in knowledge the research aims to fill.
After the problem is defined, state the research objectives or questions. These should be precise and aligned with the problem statement. Objectives guide the entire study and help keep the researcher on track.
The introduction should also outline the scope of the study. This means explaining what will be included and what will not. Clearly defining the scope prevents misunderstandings and keeps the research focused.
Another key element is the significance of the study. This section explains how the research contributes to existing knowledge, why it is relevant, and who will benefit from it. Whether it's advancing academic understanding, informing policy, or preserving cultural heritage, the significance should be clearly stated.
Finally, the introduction may include a brief explanation of the research methodology and a summary of how the rest of the paper is organized. This gives readers a roadmap of the chapters to come and helps them follow the argument more easily.
Conclusion
Understanding history research methods is essential for anyone serious about studying the past. From recognizing the different perspectives on what history is, to mastering the various types of historical writing, every part of the process plays a role in shaping our knowledge of human experience. Historical research is not just about collecting facts—it is about making sense of those facts in a meaningful, ethical, and thoughtful way. With careful planning, strong research skills, and clear writing, anyone can contribute valuable insights to the study of history and help ensure that the lessons of the past are preserved and understood for generations to come.
