Deck 7: Historical Research

Question 1

Historical research is chiefly concerned with:

A)the study of history.
B)the meaning of past events.
C)creating an accurate chronology of past events.
D)determining an "official" interpretation of a historical event.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

______ is/are an appropriate focus of historical research.

A)Concepts
B)Ideas
C)People
D)all of the above

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Perry Prose is in possession of a letter allegedly written by President Theodore Roosevelt during his time in office.He has taken the letter to a number of experts, who have examined the paper, ink, handwriting, and content of the letter in an attempt to establish its authenticity.Dr.Prose is attempting to establish ______ regarding the validity of the letter.
A)external evidence

A)internal evidence

Answer 3

A

Question 4

In historical research, bias:

A)generally does not exist to a problematic degree.
B)is less of a problem than in other forms of research.
C)is impossible for the researcher to detect.
D)can be used as an advantage to the researcher.

Question 5

To a historical researcher studying the lives of women pioneers in the late 1880s, letters written by Rebecca Adams, a pioneer woman on the Nebraska plains, to her sister in Philadelphia represent:

A)primary data.
B)secondary data.

Question 6

The authors recommend that chronological data be plotted on a map as part of the interpretative process.What type of information can be revealed by this technique?

Question 7

The authors recommend that chronological data be arrayed in a time line as part of the interpretative process.What type of information can be revealed by this technique?

Question 8

In regard to bias in historical research, the researcher:

A)must be vigilant in regard to bias in secondary data, but it is not a problem with primary data.
B)must be vigilant in regard to bias in primary data, but it is not a problem with secondary data.
C)must be vigilant in regard to bias in both primary and secondary data.
D)can assume that the various biases will cancel each other out without special steps being taken by the researcher.

Question 9

Historical research may include:

A)qualitative, but not quantitative, methods.
B)quantitative, but not qualitative, methods.
C)both qualitative and quantitative methods.
D)neither qualitative nor quantitative methods.

Question 10

A historical research report may differ from other research reports in that presentation of data and interpretation of data:

A)are confined to separate sections of the paper.
B)may not be included.
C)may be intertwined in a technical style of scientific writing.
D)may be intertwined in a flowing narrative style.

Question 11

To a historical researcher studying the lives of women pioneers in the late 1880s, letters written by Deloris Adams of Philadelphia, describing the life of her sister, Rebecca Adams, a pioneer woman on the Nebraska plains, represent:

A)primary data.
B)secondary data.

Question 12

Historical researchers can count on authoritative sources such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronology or the Cambridge Ancient History as accurate and complete accounts of history.

A)True
B)False

Question 13

Professor McGrath is studying the history of African Americans in Oklahoma.Three of the following are primary data sources for Professor McGrath.Which one is NOT?

A)Census reports from the all-Black town of Taft
B)Photographs of Taft
C)Diaries of a school teacher in one of the first integrated schools in Taft
D)Articles from the Taft newspaper published in the late 19th century

Question 14

One of the most challenging aspects of conducting historical research is systematically organizing the hundreds or thousands of notes that are collected in the course of the research project.Describe one method for handling this organizational challenge, including mention of both the strengths and weaknesses of the approach.

Question 15

Conducting rigorous historical research involves more than reading historical documents, taking notes, and organizing those notes.Explain.

Question 16

In writing a historical research report, it is best to:
A)avoid mentioning alternative interpretations of events proposed by other scholars.

A)leave most of the interpretation of data to the reader rather than impose your own point of view.
C)point out the weaknesses in the arguments or assertions you are making.
D)discuss the weaknesses, but not the strengths, of arguments put forth by other scholars.