Historical research involves a systematic process to critically examine past events through primary and secondary sources to accurately describe and interpret those events. It includes identifying a research problem, collecting and evaluating data sources, synthesizing information, interpreting findings, and formulating conclusions. Historical research aims to objectively determine what happened in the past and can provide perspective on current educational issues, practices, and theories. However, it is limited by an inability to control variables or directly affect past events and relies on available data sources.

1. Historical Research

2. What is Research???
–‘Research is the formal,
systematic application of
scientific method to the study
of problems’
(Gay,Mills & Airasian; 2009).

3. Types of research
• Historical research
• Qualitative research
• Descriptive research
• Co-relational research
• Causal-comparative research
• Experimental research

4. Historical Research
Wiersma(1986) defines historical
research in this way, it is a
process of critical inquiry into
past events, in order to produce
an accurate description and
interpretation of those events.

5. Steps of historical research
1. Identification of the research
problem(including formulation of
hypothesis/questions
2. Systematic collection & evaluation of data
3. Synthesis of information(including
confirmation/disconfirmation of hypothesis)
4. Interpreting and drawing conclusions

6. • Definition of a problem Historical research
problems are identified in the same way as
problems of other types of research. It is
much better to study in-depth a well-defined
problem with one or more specific well stated
questions or hypotheses, then to investigate
either too broadly stated problems or a
problem for which insufficient data are
available(Gay,1997).

7. Systematic collection & evaluation of
data
The sources of historical information are
commonly classified as primary or secondary.
‘Primary sources are firsthand access of the
events or experience under study; secondary
sources are accounts at least one level
removed from the event or
experience’(Wiersma, 1996).

8. Collection and evaluation of source
material
• According to Wiersma(1986) a basic rule of
historical research is to use primary sources
whenever it is possible to locate them.
Historical evidence is derived from historical
data by the process of criticism, which is of
two types; external and internal.

9. External Criticism
• ‘External criticism in historical
researches valuates the validity of
the document-this is, where,
when and by whom it was
produced’(Wiersma, 1986,
p.223).

10. Internal criticism
‘Internal criticism evaluates the
meaning, accuracy and
trustworthiness of the content of
the document’
(Wiersoma,1886, p.224).

11. Synthesis of information
Wiersma (1986), states that central
ideas or concepts must be pulled
together and continuity between
them is developed. As asubstantial
period of time-say, several years-is
covered by the research study, the
ideas can often be organized
chronologically.

12. Interpretation and formulating
conclusions
The final step of historical research
methodology is characterized by
decision making about the research
problem. At the final step
conclusions are formulated, and any
hypothesis introduced earlier is
either supported or rejected.

13. Advantages of Historical research:
1. Many current educational practices, theories
and issues can be better understood in the
light of past experiences.
2. Researchers can apply scientific objectivity in
attempting to determine exactly what did
happen in the past.
3. If well-done, this research involves
systematic, objective data collection and
analysis.

14. Disadvantages of Historical research:
1. In conducting historical research, the researcher
can neither manipulate nor control any of the
variables.
2. There is no way, historical researcher can affect
events of the past.
3. Historical research cant collect data by
administering instruments.
4. Historical research is limited to whatever data
are available.
5. Historical research excessively relies on
secondary source of data.

15. Some examples of problems in
historical research
1. Essays written by elementary school
2. Attendee record from two different
school districts over a 10-years
period
3. High Secondary School Certificate in
year 2014

16. Conclusion
Historical research is necessary to define the
situations of the past and its meaning in the light
of the present problem.
1. It can provide a perspective for decision making
about educational problems, and it assists in
understanding why things are as they are.
2. Educational reform and even social reform are
functions often served by historical research.
3. Issues are often better understood and probably
better dealt with-if the historical perspective is
known.

17. Thank you for your time