How to evaluate the reliability of historical sources

Summary

This history skills video teaches viewers how to evaluate the reliability of historical sources for research essays. It emphasizes the importance of assessing a source's trustworthiness based on the creator's background, presence at the event, education, and audience approval. The video uses examples like Shakespeare's portrayal of King Richard III and Adrian Goldsworthy's scholarly work on the Roman army to illustrate varying degrees of reliability, urging students to choose credible sources for their studies.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Evaluate the reliability of historical sources to ensure the trustworthiness of quotes used in research essays.
• 📚 Reliability is a degree-based assessment, not a binary one; sources can be extremely, very, somewhat, rarely, or not very reliable.
• 👤 The reliability of a source is primarily determined by analyzing the creator's background and perspective on the historical events.
• 🏛 Consider the creator's presence at the event, their education level, and their professional reputation in assessing reliability.
• 📘 Fact-checked sources, such as academic journals, are generally more reliable due to peer approval.
• ❌ Avoid using sources deemed unreliable; if necessary, justify their use with alternative evaluation skills.
• 🤔 Establish unreliability by questioning the creator's presence, education, or the presence of biased language in the source.
• 🎭 Shakespeare's play about Richard III is an example of an unreliable source due to its entertainment purpose and bias.
• 🎓 Adrian Goldsworthy's works on the Roman army are reliable due to his academic credentials and expertise in the field.
• 📝 Use the examples provided to understand the difference between reliable and unreliable sources in historical research.
• 💡 For further guidance on historical source evaluation, visit the recommended website for more examples and advice.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to teach viewers how to evaluate the reliability of historical sources for their history assessment tasks, particularly research essays.

Why is it important to use reliable sources in history assessment tasks?

It is important to use reliable sources in history assessment tasks to ensure that the quotes and information used can be trusted, thus providing a solid foundation for the arguments presented.

What does the term 'reliability' mean in the context of historical sources?

In the context of historical sources, 'reliability' refers to the degree to which a source can be trusted to provide accurate and unbiased information about historical events.

How should one approach the evaluation of a historical source's reliability?

One should approach the evaluation of a historical source's reliability by examining the creator's background, their presence at the event, their education, and the source's purpose and audience.

What are some factors that can indicate a source is reliable?

Factors that can indicate a source is reliable include the creator being personally present at the event, having a highly-educated perspective on the topic, or the source being fact-checked and approved by its audience.

What should one do if they find a source to be unreliable?

If a source is found to be unreliable, the best advice is not to use it. However, if the source is relevant and no alternative is available, one should use a different evaluation skill to justify its use.

How can one establish the unreliability of a source?

One can establish the unreliability of a source by pointing out that the creator was not present at the event, lacks sufficient education on the topic, uses biased language, or the source's purpose is for entertainment rather than presenting facts.

What is an example of an unreliable historical source mentioned in the script?

An example of an unreliable historical source mentioned in the script is William Shakespeare's play about Richard III, as it was written over a hundred years after the king's death and primarily aimed to entertain rather than present historical facts.

What is an example of an extremely reliable source discussed in the script?

An example of an extremely reliable source discussed in the script is Adrian Goldsworthy, who has a PhD in ancient history, specifically on the Roman army, and is a world-renowned academic on ancient Roman military matters.

How does the script suggest using unreliable sources in an argument?

The script suggests that if one must use an unreliable source in an argument, they should use a different evaluation skill to argue for its inclusion rather than simply stating that the source is unreliable.

What is the purpose of the examples given in the script about Richard III and the Roman army?

The purpose of the examples given in the script is to illustrate how to apply the concept of source reliability evaluation to real historical figures and topics, helping viewers to solidify their understanding of the concept.