1. Investigations & Studies in Applied Research
Historical Research
Da Lee Caryl
AED615
Investigations & Studies in Applied Research
Fall 2006

2. What is Historical Research?
It is the procedure in which a researcher collects and evaluates data to understand reports or observation made by others.
It test hypotheses concerning causes, effects or trends that may help to explain present events and anticipate future events.

3. Purpose of Historical Research
To learn from past successes and failures.
Learn how things were done in the past and apply them to current or future events.
To assist in prediction.
Lead to the confirmation or rejection of relational hypotheses.
Understand the present practices and policies by understanding the history surrounding them.

4. Steps Involved in Historical Research
Definition of the problem
Formulation of questions to be answered or hypotheses to be tested.
Systematic collection of data.
Primary Research
Secondary Research
Evaluation of data.
Presenting and interpreting the information as it relates to the hypotheses.

5. Sources of Information
Primary
Eye or ear witnesses
Original documents such as
Secondary
Copies of objects
Second hand information
Textbooks
Periodicals
Newspapers
Encyclopedias
Review of research and other references

6. Evaluating Historical Sources
External Criticism
Authentic?
Genuine?
Internal Criticism
Accurate?
Meaning?

7. External Criticism Who wrote the document?
For what purpose was the document written?
When was the document written?
Where was the document written?
Under what conditions was the document written?
Do different forms or versions of the document exist?

8. Internal Criticism What was meant by the author?
How much credibility can be given to the author?
What was the author trying to say?
How could the authors word be interpreted?
Does the document contain bias of any sort?

9. Data Analysis in Historical Research
Methodology to synthesize a very large amount of data into a meaningful narrative
Organize information into categories
Locate patterns or themes
Develop a coding system

10. Advantages of Historical Research
Allows investigation of topics and questions that can be studied in no other way.
Study evidence from the past.
Make use of different kinds of evidence.
Provide a rich source of information.

11. Disadvantages of Historical Research
Threats to internal validity
Limitations of the sample and instrumentation
Can not ensure representativeness of the sample
Unable to check the reliability and validity
Bias of the researcher

12. An Example of Historical Research
This study compared the similarities between inquiry-based and problem-solving methods and their potential for improving student performance. The data was collected by collating research reported by both science and agricultural educators who had investigated and applied both the inquiry-based and problem-solving methods to increase student success. The literature reviewed included dissertations, national reports, articles from professional journals and magazines, books, on-line Internet and other related resources.
Parr, Brian & Edwards, Craig M. (2004). Inquiry-Based Instruction in Secondary Agricultural Education: Problem-Solving – An Old Friend Revisited. Journal of Agricultural Education, 45, Retrieved November 10, 2006 from the World Wide Web:

13. Bibliography
Fraenkel, J.R. & Wallen, N.E. (2006). Internal Validity. How to design and evaluate research in education (6th ed.,pp ). New York: McGraw Hill.
Parr, Brian & Edwards, Craig M. (2004). Inquiry-Based Instruction in Secondary Agricultural Education: Problem-Solving – An Old Friend Revisited. Journal of Agricultural Education, 45, Retrieved November 10, 2006 from the World Wide Web: