Historical research involves studying, understanding, and explaining past events. The purpose of historical research is to arrive at conclusions concerning causes, effects, or trends of past occurrences that may help to explain present events and anticipate future events. Primary sources of data constitute firsthand knowledge. Secondary sources constitute secondhand info- what you get from books, from people who got info from firsthand observer. External criticism assesses the authenticity of the data.
Internal criticism evaluates their worth.
Did author exaggerate own role. General educational history 2. 7. comparative history 8. 5. pictorial records 6. Because one is generally asking questions that have not been asked before, instruments usually have to be developed for specific studies.