Page 30 - DSOC402_SOCIOLOGY_OF_KINSHIP_ENGLISH

Sociology of Kinship

Notes P.V. Young has mentioned three types of historical sources—
(i) Those documents and other historic material which is in the reach of the historiean himself.
(ii) Cultural and analytical history: This includes diaries, scriptures, autobiographies, secret
documents, trade agreements and traditions, etc. However, Howard Becker considers it neces-
sary to be studies.
(iii) Personal information of faithful inspectors and witnesses: historic material can be collected
from all the above sources but it depends on the researchers’s decision, problem of study, nature
and area that why, when and how much of it should be used?

Steps of Historcal Method
These steps need to be followed to use historical method—
1. Selection of Problem: First of all the problem is selected by the researcher while study-
ing through this method. the problem should be such that it can be studied through this
method. The subject of study should be such (i) which interests the researchers (ii) which
we have some knowledge about, (iii) that suits our resources limit means it should suit the
available money, labour and time; and (iv) which is useful.
2. Determination of the sources of information: After selection of problem the sources are
found related to the facts of the problem means it is determined that the historical facts
can be collected from which books libraries, museums and other places. This should be
enquired before beginning the study.
3. Data Collection: After determining the sources of information data is collected related to
the sources subject. Historical facts can be found from both primary and secondary sources.
Historical facts are scattered in abundance in millions of book, documents, inscriptions and
pedigrees, etc., but collection of reliable and authentic sources and date depends on the
researcher’s ability, experience, foresight and training. Government documents are more
reliable than non-government documents. While collecting the data we should consider
the limitation of time and money. The only data should be collected which is related to our
subject, interrelated and reliable and authentic.
4. Historical Criticism: After the data is collected it goes through historical criticism. It means
the authenticity and reliability of the sources of data is checked to know wheather it is for-
get. It is also checked that the write ups of those resources are not partial. Hence the check-
ing of authenticity and legality of collected data is called historical criticims.
5. Classification and Organisation of Data: The next step of study by historical method is
classified the collected data in different categories so that it can be compared with each-
other. Qualitative and numeric data are seperated and organised.
6. Analysis and Interpretation: Data is analysed and interpreted scientifically and objectively
after classification in which the incident is explained on the basis of course and effect and
the conclusions are made. While this, one should be determined unbiased like a scientist
and keep one’s own biases away from the study.
7. Preparing Report: Last step for study by historical method is preparing the report. While
writing the report, simple, understandable, objective and interesting language should be
used.

Mention the source of historical method.

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