Teheuti
It is my understanding that, in this section of the forum, participants can be asked to cite sources, documentation and logical reasoning in support of theories.
To support this end I propose a list of concepts and techniques that can be helpful to those who are not trained historians that reflect what a critical reader/writer should be concerned with. But first a quote from Ross Caldwell describing Historical Research (copied from Berenice, below):
Below is my outline summary of an excellent report written for the layman regarding sources of information:
Summary of CSI Report – “Evaluating Historical Materials”
by Dr. Larry D. Roberts
http://www.cgsc.edu/carl/resources/csi/csir_12/csir_12.asp
[Although this is written for the army, I think this paper provides an excellent overview for the serious layman who wants to critically evaluate historical materials.]
Areas of Evaluation
• The expertise or qualifications of the author, especially regarding
- academic preparation
- extent of personal research
- personal experience
• The author’s purpose for writing the material and point of view, and, as a result, what biases and slants might exist.
• The sources used in preparing the book, article, thesis, and their breath and depth.
- The primary sources used (eyewitness accounts, ideas or artifacts from the time and place in question)
- Independent verification from other sources
- Accuracy and appropriateness of secondary sources
• The work itself.
- Does the author support his/her major points with well-reasoned arguments and justly derived concepts?
- Does the work achieve the purpose or objective for which it was written?
- What has the author done best or contributed to the field through this work?
The Evaluation Process
Step 1: Get overview via:
- author and publication information/date
- title & cover info (how accurately does it reflect the material inside)
- table of contents (what’s actually covered) [hint: turn chapter/section titles into questions and see if/how the author answers them, mkg]
- reviews (especially by other authorities in the field)
- the author’s statement of purpose or thesis (usually near the beginning)
- sources (look at footnotes and bibliography)
Step 2: A critical reading that
o lists key points and author’s proof of each
o compares the author’s material with that from other sources, looking for conflict or agreement
o checks if all the text and materials are appropriate to the subject & purpose
o considers what is supported by sources and what by logic and how accurate each of these are
o notes what the author has not addressed but should have
Step 3: Determine
- How well has the author achieved his/her purpose?
- Is the position adequately supported and interpreted?
- What can be gained from reading [learning about] this material?
* * * * * * * *
As the author of ten non-fiction books I think this is an excellent checklist for me as a writer (to make sure I've dealt with all of the above) and it shows what I would ideally want from a discerning reader.
To support this end I propose a list of concepts and techniques that can be helpful to those who are not trained historians that reflect what a critical reader/writer should be concerned with. But first a quote from Ross Caldwell describing Historical Research (copied from Berenice, below):
It doesn't set out to prove anything about Tarot (for example); it studies the known facts, and tries to figure out what it is. It draws conclusions, it doesn't impose conditions. In this sense history is like a science, archeology or forensics (as Huck pointed out, it is like a detective trying to figure out whodunnit). Work outward from the facts, not inward from a bias (bias will form as the facts become clearer)."
Below is my outline summary of an excellent report written for the layman regarding sources of information:
Summary of CSI Report – “Evaluating Historical Materials”
by Dr. Larry D. Roberts
http://www.cgsc.edu/carl/resources/csi/csir_12/csir_12.asp
[Although this is written for the army, I think this paper provides an excellent overview for the serious layman who wants to critically evaluate historical materials.]
Areas of Evaluation
• The expertise or qualifications of the author, especially regarding
- academic preparation
- extent of personal research
- personal experience
• The author’s purpose for writing the material and point of view, and, as a result, what biases and slants might exist.
• The sources used in preparing the book, article, thesis, and their breath and depth.
- The primary sources used (eyewitness accounts, ideas or artifacts from the time and place in question)
- Independent verification from other sources
- Accuracy and appropriateness of secondary sources
• The work itself.
- Does the author support his/her major points with well-reasoned arguments and justly derived concepts?
- Does the work achieve the purpose or objective for which it was written?
- What has the author done best or contributed to the field through this work?
The Evaluation Process
Step 1: Get overview via:
- author and publication information/date
- title & cover info (how accurately does it reflect the material inside)
- table of contents (what’s actually covered) [hint: turn chapter/section titles into questions and see if/how the author answers them, mkg]
- reviews (especially by other authorities in the field)
- the author’s statement of purpose or thesis (usually near the beginning)
- sources (look at footnotes and bibliography)
Step 2: A critical reading that
o lists key points and author’s proof of each
o compares the author’s material with that from other sources, looking for conflict or agreement
o checks if all the text and materials are appropriate to the subject & purpose
o considers what is supported by sources and what by logic and how accurate each of these are
o notes what the author has not addressed but should have
Step 3: Determine
- How well has the author achieved his/her purpose?
- Is the position adequately supported and interpreted?
- What can be gained from reading [learning about] this material?
* * * * * * * *
As the author of ten non-fiction books I think this is an excellent checklist for me as a writer (to make sure I've dealt with all of the above) and it shows what I would ideally want from a discerning reader.