Eight Steps of Historical Research

Developing a management system

Organization is a key factor in successful research
Selecting a Topic
Select a topic related to the theme. Brainstorming topics or looking through resources is
a great way to think about potential topics and how they may relate to the theme.
Background Reading for Historical Context
Build historical context for your topic. Take time to read widely about the topic. Look at s
everal resources relating to the time period in which the topic takes place.
Narrowing the Topic
Narrow the area of history (period or event) that is of interest. For example: An interest in
womens rights and the theme is Individual in History. After reading, consider voting right
s. After more searching and reading about the time period, consider womens suffrage. T
hen, consider a leader in the struggle for the vote, Alice Paul.
Process: Theme - Individual in History; Interest - Womens Rights; Topic - Suffrage Move
ment; Issue/Individual - Alice Paul
Gathering and Recording Information
Credit sources from where the information comes. Annotated bibliographies are great.
Analyzing and Interpreting Sources and the Topics Significance in History
Interpret information gathered and draw conclusions about topics significance in history.
Ask questions about the topic. Consider elements of change and continuity, historical
context: political, social, and cultural atmosphere of the time period.
Interrogate sources: who created the source, when was the source created, what was
the intent or purpose of the source, is there more than one source with consistent i
nformation?
Develop a Thesis
Usually one sentence that presents an argument about the topic. The body of the work is
there to support the thesis using evidence from the research.
A good thesis statement: addresses a narrow topic, explains what the researcher believe
s to be the historical significance of the topic, connects the topic to the theme.
Finalizing a Research Project
When ready to present to an audience, review whether the work includes the following: a
nalysis and interpretation, significance and impact, in depth research, historical accurac
y, historical context, adherence to the theme.