Historical method facts for kids
The historical method is like a detective's toolkit for historians! It's the special way they use old clues and information to figure out what happened in the past. Historians use these methods to research and then write down history in books and articles.
Contents
What is the Historical Method?
The historical method helps us understand events from long ago. It is a set of rules and steps that historians follow. These steps help them find, check, and use information about the past. By using this method, historians can make sure their stories about history are as accurate as possible. They act like detectives, looking for clues and piecing together the puzzle of the past.
How Do Historians Find Facts?
Historians look for many different kinds of clues. These clues are often called sources. A primary source is a direct clue from the past. Think of it as something made or written at the time of the event. Examples include old letters, diaries, official documents, or even ancient tools.
Historians also use secondary sources. These are accounts or studies written by people who were not there. A history textbook is a good example of a secondary source. It uses primary sources to tell a story. The historical method helps historians decide which sources are reliable and how to use them.
Checking Sources: The Six Big Questions
To make sure their information is correct, historians ask important questions about their sources. A historian named Gilbert J. Garraghan suggested six key questions. These questions help historians check if a source is trustworthy and useful.
- When was it made? Historians first find out the exact date a source was created. Knowing the date helps them place the information correctly in time.
- Where was it made? They also need to know the location where the source was produced. This helps them understand the context of the information.
- Who made it? It's important to know who created the source. Was it a person who saw the event? Or someone who heard about it later? Knowing the author helps historians understand their point of view.
- What was it made from? Historians look at what older materials or ideas were used to create the source. This helps them see how the information might have changed over time.
- What was its original form? They try to find out if the source is complete or if parts are missing. Was it a full letter or just a fragment? This helps them understand the source's true state.
- How valuable is its content? Finally, historians decide how much they can trust the information in the source. Is it a strong piece of evidence? Or does it need more checking? This step is about judging its truthfulness.
By asking these questions, historians can build a strong and reliable picture of the past. It helps them avoid mistakes and tell accurate stories about history.
Related Topics
Images for kids
-
A sculpted bust depicting Thucydides (c. 460-c. 400 BC) dubbed the "father of scientific history" (a copy of a copy of 4th Century BCE Greek work)
See also
In Spanish: Método histórico para niños
