Thinking Like a Historian

Another word (synonym) for 'point of view' is:

• bias
• perspective
• corroboration
• sourcing

The tendency to favor one side over another (like Patriots/Loyalists, Ohio State over Michigan) is:

• corroboration
• contextualization
• bias
• perspective

Contextualization means that when we look at an event we need to know:

• who created the source.
• why the source was created (purpose).
• the time period and what was happening at that time.
• who created it, & why and when it was crea

Context is like:

• the background or setting of an event.
• using multiple sources to confirm a story.
• a label or image of a group.
• an opinion of an event or source.

Corroboration means that:

• multiple sources are used to verify or disprove a conclusion.
• background for an source is essential.
• no two sources can ever match exactly.
• only primary sources are useful.

A source is more reliable if:

• the source has a good reputation.
• the source was an eyewitness.
• other sources are similar.
• all of the above make a source more trustworthy.

It is important to check who, when, why and where a source was created: 

• before reading the source.
• after reading the source.
• only if required.
• as a last resort if you don't understand it.

Which is most likely to be biased?

• letter from a Jamestown colonist
• diary entry during a Pilgrim's journey
• an anti-slavery news article in 1850
• a textbook section about democracy

Checking who created a source, why and when it was created, and where it originated describes:

• contextualization
• corroboration
• bias
• sourcing

Close reading means:

• skimming a source.
• reading carefully for evidence.
• reading when its quiet.
• reading key words only.