Synopses & Reviews
With increasing pressure on students and academics to produce independently researched dissertations, theses, articles and monographs, this guide to undertaking historical research provides invaluable advice and support.
Historical Research presents a clear, practical guide to the study, research and writing of history. Each stage of historical research is covered, from the selection of a topic and the organisation and evaluation of source material, through to the completion of a typescript. The book is subdivided into three parts:
- Part one focuses on the study of history
- Part two provides detailed guidance on research methods
- Part three includes comprehensive information on stylistic conventions for presenting historical work
Numerous examples and practical suggestions assist readers to plan, organise and complete history projects more effectively. A glossary and Guide for Further Reading are also included to provide an informative and indispensable research tool on all aspects of historical research. Bill McDowell is a Research Fellow in Scottish History at the University of Edinburgh.
Synopsis
This is the first practical guide to cover the various stages of a history research project, from the selection of the topic and the organization and interpretation of source material, through to the completion of the written-up record. Whether it is for a dissertation, thesis article or, indeed, full-length book, Historical Research deals with the purpose of research, and the implications, limitations and benefits of different research methods, as well as the effective presentation of the finished result.
Synopsis
This is the first practical guide to cover the various stages of a history research project, from the selection of the topic and the organization and interpretation of source material, through to the completion of the written-up record.Whether it is for a dissertation, thesis article or, indeed, full-length book, Historical Research deals with the purpose of research, and the implications, limitations and benefits of different research methods, as well as the effective presentation of the finished result.
Synopsis
This is the first practical guide to cover the various stages of a history research project, from the selection of the topic and the organization and interpretation of source material, through to the completion of the written-up record.""Whether it is for a dissertation, thesis article or, indeed, full-length book," Historical Research "deals with the purpose of research, and the implications, limitations and benefits of different research methods, as well as the effective presentation of the finished result.
About the Author
Dr W. H. McDowell is Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Scottish History, University of Edinburgh
Table of Contents
PART 1: THE STUDY OF HISTORY
The nature and value of history
History and the social sciences
History and the natural sciences
PART 2: RESEARCH METHODS
Research tools
Historical sources
Planning a research project
Locating and indexing source material
Evaluating source material
Research notes
Illustrate material
Research for a higher degree
Publication of article and books
PART 3: STYLISTIC CONVENTIONS
Abbreviations, numbers and punctuation
Typescript format
Footnote and bibliography references
Proofreading
Indexing