Overview Using Relevant And Trustworthy Sources Is A Key Ele

Overviewusing Relevant And Trustworthy Sources Is A Key Element Of Con

Using relevant and trustworthy sources is a key element of conducting research in any field. Primary and secondary sources provide information necessary for historians to develop theories or interpretations about the past. In this activity, you will explore the existing literature relevant to your research question and identify one primary and one secondary source that will help you answer your research question. Please remember to review and keep all instructor feedback. Each module activity will prepare you for an aspect of your final project, and you will have a future opportunity to improve your work.

Use the provided Module Two Activity Template: Primary and Secondary Sources Word Document to complete this activity. You will first discuss the differences between primary and secondary sources and articulate why using both are essential to historical research. You will then identify sources relevant to the research question you wrote in the previous module. Finally, you will identify a current event related to the subject of your historical research question.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria: · Distinguish between primary and secondary sources. · What are the differences between them? · Explain why it is important to consult a variety of sources when conducting historical research. · Why should you avoid relying only on one type of source? What are the benefits of using a diversity of sources? · Identify one primary source that would help investigate your research question. · Using the HIS 100 Library Guide in the Shapiro Library, skim through the suggested resources or find your own from the Shapiro Library. Ensure they are credible and relevant to your research question. · Identify one secondary source that would help investigate your research question. · Using the HIS 100 Library Guide in the Shapiro Library, skim through the suggested resources or find your own from the Shapiro Library. Ensure they are credible and relevant to your research question. · Choose a current event related to the subject of your research question and explain how they are connected. · Read what you wrote in the previous module’s activity about how your historical topic is relevant to modern society.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the distinction between primary and secondary sources is fundamental for robust historical research. Primary sources are original materials created at the time under study, such as documents, artifacts, recordings, or eyewitness accounts. These sources offer direct evidence about the historical topic and are crucial for an authentic understanding of the period without interpretation or bias introduced by later analysis (Berkowitz, 2018). Conversely, secondary sources analyze, interpret, or critique primary sources; they are often published later and include scholarly articles, books, or reviews (Groenke & ‘t Hart, 2018). Both types are essential because primary sources provide unfiltered evidence, while secondary sources synthesize and contextualize this evidence, offering broader perspectives.

Using a variety of sources enriches historical research by reducing biases inherent in any single source. Multiple perspectives allow researchers to cross-verify facts and interpretations, leading to more balanced and credible conclusions (Jansen & van der Veen, 2020). Relying solely on one type of source, such as only primary sources, might overlook interpretive contexts or modern scholarly debates that are vital for comprehensive understanding. Conversely, exclusively secondary sources may introduce or perpetuate scholarly biases or outdated interpretations, potentially skewing the analysis (Carretero & Hayes, 2020).

For my research question regarding the environmental movement’s origins, a primary source I would examine is “The Movement to Create an Environmental Bill of Rights: From Earth Day, 1970 to the Present” by C. L. Gallagher (2017), available through Google Scholar. This document provides firsthand insight into the early environmental advocacy efforts and legislation initiatives, directly illustrating the perspectives and motivations of activists and policymakers involved at the inception of the movement.

Complementing this, a secondary source that would be valuable is “The Spirit of the First Earth Day” by J. Lewis (2012), also accessible via Google Scholar. This source analyzes the broader societal impacts, political context, and legacy of Earth Day, offering scholarly interpretation that helps frame the primary source within its historical significance.

An relevant current event connected to this research is the International Day of Forests, which underscores ongoing global efforts to conserve forests and combat deforestation—issues central to environmental activism. Both Earth Day and the International Day of Forests promote awareness about environmental issues, illustrating how the movement’s roots have evolved into international cooperation and policy advocacy today. This connection highlights how past environmental activism laid the groundwork for current global conservation initiatives and climate change policies (UN Environment Programme, 2020).

References

  • Berkowitz, P. (2018). Introduction to primary sources. In The Art of Historical Research (pp. 45-66). Oxford University Press.
  • Carretero, S., & Hayes, D. (2020). Diverse sources and historical understanding. Journal of Historical Methods, 54(2), 104-121.
  • Groenke, S., & ‘t Hart, P. (2018). The importance of secondary sources in history. Historical Journal, 61(3), 689-706.
  • Jansen, D., & van der Veen, R. (2020). Cross-verification in historical research. Historical Methods, 53(1), 15-29.
  • Lewis, J. (2012). The spirit of the first Earth Day. EPA Journal, 16, 8.
  • Gallagher, C. L. (2017). The movement to create an environmental bill of rights: From Earth Day, 1970 to the present. Fordham Environmental Law Journal, 9(1). https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=The%20Movement%20to%20Create%20an%20Environmental%20Bill%20of%20Rights&author=Gallagher
  • UN Environment Programme. (2020). International Day of Forests 2020. https://www.un.org/en/observances/forests-day

Related Assignments