Nature and steps in historical method.

Introduction.

There is a number of quite a different method that can be employed in researchers. The nature of the methods, however, depends on the level and the objectives of the research to be carried out. Some of these methods can be used to compliment each other in certain circumstance. principle methods used in research activities are.

1. Conventional method.
2. Historical research.
3. The case study.
4. The experimental method.
5. The survey method.

1. Historical research.

Historical research is carried out to find the facts which have already occurred in the past. It is non-experimental research because the researcher has not control over independent variable as the independent variable has already occurred before this time of the investigation.

In historical research, the researcher collects the information and arrange them according to the order of time then if there is any gap in the information then the researcher fulfil it by his imaginative capacity. Then he concludes some conclusion which may be useful for the future.

It was also impossible to analyse data at exactly the same time as it was collected. So every interpretation of present can be considered as based on past data. Therefore, the historical approach has to be used in every research. Review of literature which is an integral part of any research, in fact, a historical research.

When the historical problem is concerned particularly problem are faced by the investigators. Among them, a key problem is separated out facts from opinions or myths. Another problem comes when the data facts available had not been collected in the form needed in order to describe and understand the problem. To solve the problem either cross-section study (description of the phenomenon at a point) or longitudinal historical study (description) of problem development over a period] is done.

It can be performed by two ways

1. Cross-section study.
2. Longitudinal study.

1. Cross-section study.

In this type of study, the research is performed over a period of time.

Example as- Suppose in one hand, the investigators dealing with the political leadership may examine, for example , the approach used by Hitler or Churchill in the last second world war, and may describe the circumstances within which both are operating. This is the cross-sectional study.

2. Longitudinal study.

This type of research is performed over a period of time.

An example of longitudinal study is that.

The investigators might look at the development of political leadership from the first world war to post second world war circumstances and might seek ti identify changes in style with different circumstances or condition. For this, the approach to be used is the longitudinal study.

Steps in the historical method.

Thay is as follows.

1. A collection of data.
2. Criticism of data (Critical judgement of observations).
3. Presentation of data by time reference.

Sources of Historical data.

1. Accessible document.
2. Culture and analytical materials.
3. Reliable personal experience and known how’s.

Methods of data collection in historical research.

1. Primary data; In the case of historical research, those data are said to be primary data which are gathered by a researcher in his/her initiation to solve the problem.

Some source of primary data.

-Different remains and reliefs. Example include Utensils, weapons, clothes, bills, reports, organises, minutes.

- Eye with less account. A secondary source of data. Example include book, decision.

Qualities of historical research.

An essential requirement of historical method.

1. Historical perspectives.
2. Disapassionation- Attitude.
3. Imaginative capacity.
4. The capacity of select.
5. Analysis capacity.
6. Knowledge of the study area.

The research worker should have the adequate insight of the phenomenon to understand the cause, effect relationship of various variables or events.

1. Historical perspectives.

The facts and events should be understood in the historical perspectives only then a researcher can draw the correct conclusion.

2. Dispassionate-Attitude.

The attitude of the researcher should remain dispassionate while studying historical material I,e he should study the facts and events as they were . He should not be misguided by guess work pre-conceived notions , biases, emotional, and dogmas etc.

3. Imaginative capacity.

The researcher should have the fertile imagination so that he can draw a complete picture of the study. History does not give minute details. It is also not available in a complete picture.

4. The capacity of select.

Often historical material is scattered so the researcher has to select and pick up the material useful and relevant his study. The researcher should, therefore, possess the quality of selecting and rejecting the material.

5. Analysis capacity.

Further, the researcher should have the analysed the historical material useful for the study and should be able to co-ordinate them with the present data condition.

6. Knowledge of the study area.

The researcher should have complete knowledge in the field of the study as he will not get ready-made material in the history for his study work.

Limitation.

The limitation of the historical study lies in the fact that the events to be studied have taken place before the time of the study. Therefore, the events could not be measured and observed directly.As such the investigator has to exercise its own judgment on the validity of the data and the measurement used.

Reference.

Kerlinger, F.N. Foundation of Behavioural Research. New Delhi: Surjeet Publication, 2000.

Kothari, C.R. Research Methodology. India: Vishwa Prakashan, 1990.

Singh, M.L. and J.M Singh. Understanding Research Methodology. 1998.

Singh, Mrigendra Lal. Understanding Research Methodology. Nepal: National Book centre, 2013.