Voting rules: Choose the source you think is the most reliable!
By Gregor Krambs
Updated on Dec 29, 2023 06:45
Step into the fascinating realm of history with StrawPoll's latest interactive ranking: "What is the most reliable historical source?" As passionate history buffs, we've curated a comprehensive list of influential sources that have shaped our understanding of the past. But we need YOUR expertise to rank them! Cast your vote, make your voice heard, and help us determine the ultimate historical source that stands the test of time. Can't find your favorite on our list? Don't be left in the annals of history – suggest a missing option and join the ranks of fellow historians in this epic quest for knowledge. Together, let's embark on a thrilling journey through the pages of the past and unravel the mysteries of history. Dive in and vote now!
What Is the Most Reliable Historical Source?
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33
votes
Denny·CC BY-SA 4.0
Primary sources
These are firsthand accounts of events or experiences from people who witnessed or participated in them. They can include diaries, letters, legal documents, and artifacts. Primary sources are often considered the most reliable because they provide the most direct and unfiltered information about historical events.
Description
Primary sources are original materials or documents that provide direct evidence or firsthand information about a topic. They are created by individuals who have directly experienced or witnessed the events or phenomena being researched.
- Authenticity: Primary sources are considered to be the most authentic and reliable as they provide firsthand information.
- Unfiltered Information: Primary sources provide unfiltered and unbiased information directly from the source.
- Credibility: Primary sources enhance the credibility of research due to their direct association with the topic.
- Timeliness: Primary sources offer timely information as they are usually created during or immediately after the event.
- Contextual Information: Primary sources provide valuable contextual information related to the time, place, and circ*mstances of the events.
Primary sources in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable way of studying history
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable source of information when drawing inferences
- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable method for learning about the past
- Position 8 of 10 in Most reliable source
- Position 10 of 10 in Most reliable research source
2
35
votes
Secondary sources
Authors, historians, scholars
These are sources that analyze or interpret primary sources. They can include books, articles, and academic papers. Secondary sources are useful for providing context and perspective on historical events, but they may contain biases or errors.
Description
Secondary sources are historical records or materials created by individuals who did not witness or directly participate in the events they are describing. These sources provide an interpretation or analysis of primary sources, offering a perspective and synthesis of historical events. They are widely used in history research and study to gain a broader understanding of the past.
- Objectivity: Secondary sources strive to provide an objective analysis of primary sources and historical events.
- Interpretation: They offer insightful interpretations and perspectives on historical events from a third-party viewpoint.
- Synthesis: Secondary sources synthesize information from multiple primary sources, assisting in creating a comprehensive narrative.
- Literature reviews: They often include literature reviews to demonstrate the existing scholarship on a specific topic or time period.
- Analysis: Secondary sources analyze primary sources, attempting to understand the context and significance of the events.
Secondary sources in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable way of studying history
3
14
votes
Archival materials
These are documents, photographs, and other materials that are preserved in archives and libraries. Archival materials are often primary sources that have been carefully preserved and organized for research purposes.
Description
Archival materials refer to historical documents and records that have been preserved and stored by archival institutions. These materials are considered a highly reliable source for historical research.
- Originality: Archival materials are original documents created during the time period being researched.
- Authenticity: Archival materials are verified as genuine and have not been altered or tampered with.
- Uniqueness: Archival materials often contain unique and rare information not found elsewhere.
- Primary source: Archival materials are considered primary sources as they provide firsthand accounts of historical events.
- Diversity: Archival materials encompass a wide range of formats such as letters, diaries, photographs, maps, official records, etc.
4
10
votes
Scholarly books
Various authors and scholars
Books written by academic historians are usually well-researched and carefully documented. They often provide in-depth analysis and interpretation of historical events.
Description
Scholarly books are a type of historical source that provide extensive and rigorous research on a particular topic. They are typically authored by experts in the field and undergo a rigorous peer-review process before publication. Scholarly books offer in-depth analysis, interpretation, and synthesis of historical evidence, making them a highly reliable source for historical research and study.
- Authoritative: Scholarly books are written by experts in the field and undergo a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring the information presented is accurate and well-researched.
- Credibility: Scholarly books are considered highly credible due to the expertise of the authors and the rigorous academic standards they adhere to.
- Extensive research: Scholarly books provide extensive research and analysis of the topic, often citing primary sources and other scholarly works.
- Citations and references: Scholarly books include thorough citations and references, allowing readers to verify and further explore the sources and evidence used by the author.
- Objective perspective: Scholarly books strive to present an objective perspective by analyzing and interpreting historical evidence without personal biases.
5
15
votes
Academic journals
Articles published in peer-reviewed academic journals are usually based on original research and are subject to rigorous review by other scholars. They are usually reliable sources of information on historical events.
Description
Academic journals are scholarly publications that contain articles written by experts in a particular field of study. They undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information presented.
- Peer-review process: Articles undergo evaluation by experts in the field before publication.
- Scholarly content: Journals publish original research, reviews, and analysis in various academic disciplines.
- High level of expertise: Articles are written by experts in their respective fields.
- Extensive referencing: Articles often include thorough citations and references to support claims and provide additional resources.
- Rigorous standards: Journals follow strict guidelines and standards for formatting, citations, and research methodology.
Academic journals in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable source
6
9
votes
Government documents
Documents produced by government agencies, such as reports, memos, and official correspondence, can be reliable sources of information on historical events.
Description
Government documents refer to official records, records of legislation, and communications produced or received by governmental agencies. They provide important insights into the policies, actions, and decisions of governments.
- Source credibility: Government documents are considered highly reliable sources due to their official nature and fact-checking processes.
- Accuracy: Government documents strive to accurately record and document laws, regulations, policies, and official communications.
- Primary source: Government documents serve as primary sources of information because they originate directly from the government.
- Contextual information: Government documents often provide additional context, such as legislative debates, executive summaries, or policy justifications.
- Legal significance: Government documents hold legal weight as they establish and record laws and regulations.
7
11
votes
Oral histories
Interviews with people who have firsthand knowledge of historical events can be valuable sources of information. Oral histories are usually recorded and transcribed for research purposes.
Description
Oral histories are accounts of historical events and experiences that are passed down through generations via spoken word. These narratives provide valuable insights into cultural traditions, personal experiences, and social dynamics, offering a unique perspective on historical events.
- 1: Reliance on memory and spoken word
- 2: Transmission through generations
- 3: Insight into cultural traditions
- 4: Personal experiences and perspectives
- 5: Unique perspective on historical events
8
9
votes
Newspapers
Contemporary newspapers can be valuable sources of information on historical events. They provide a snapshot of the attitudes, beliefs, and opinions of people at the time.
Description
Newspapers are a form of mass communication that provide printed publications containing news, articles, and various forms of information. They are typically issued on a daily or weekly basis and are widely distributed to a large audience.
- Frequency: Daily or weekly
- Distribution: Widely distributed
- Content: News, articles, information
- Printed Format: Continuous sheets or folded pages
- Sections: News, sports, business, entertainment, classifieds, and more
9
9
votes
Documentary films
Various filmmakers
Documentary films can provide valuable insight into historical events. They often include interviews with historians and eyewitnesses and use primary sources to tell the story.
Description
Documentary films are non-fiction films that present factual information about historical, social, or cultural subjects. They typically aim to educate, inform, or provoke discussion. Unlike fictional films, documentaries strive to portray events or realities as accurately as possible using real footage, interviews, photos, and other forms of evidence.
- Authenticity: Documentary films are based on real events, interviews, and factual evidence.
- Objectivity: They aim to present different perspectives and gather multiple viewpoints on the subject.
- Research-based: Documentaries rely on extensive research and often consult experts in the field.
- Visual evidence: They use real footage, photographs, and archival material to support their narrative.
- Interviews: Documentaries often feature interviews with key individuals involved in the subject matter.
10
6
votes
Museum exhibits
Museums often present historical events in a carefully curated and well-researched way. Exhibits can include primary sources, artifacts, and interpretive materials that provide context and insight into historical events.
Description
Museum exhibits are curated displays in physical spaces that showcase objects, artifacts, artworks, and other historical items. They provide a source of reliable historical information, offering visitors a firsthand experience of history. Museum exhibits are carefully curated and designed to educate, entertain, and inform audiences about various aspects of human history, culture, and civilization.
- Physical presence: Museum exhibits are tangible and can be experienced in person.
- Authenticity: Exhibits often feature original or authentic artifacts and objects from historical periods.
- Contextual information: Exhibits provide detailed information, labels, and descriptions about the objects on display to offer historical context.
- Visual representation: Exhibits often use visual elements such as images, videos, diagrams, and reconstructions to enhance understanding.
- Interpretation: Museum exhibits offer interpretations and narratives about historical events, cultures, or individuals.
Missing your favorite source?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for reliable historical source
Authenticity
The source must be authentic, meaning that it is an original or a copy produced at the time of the events being described.
Provenance
The source must have a provenance, or a clear and reliable chain of ownership, which confirms its authenticity and credibility.
Bias
The source must be evaluated for any inherent bias or perspective that may affect its accuracy or reliability.
Corroboration
The source should be cross-checked against other reliable sources to ensure its accuracy and authenticity.
Expertise
The author or creator of the source should be an expert in the field, with appropriate qualifications and experience.
Objectivity
The source should be objective, free from any personal opinions or subjective interpretations.
Timeliness
The source should be contemporary with the events being described, or written shortly thereafter.
Clarity
The language and content of the source should be clear and unambiguous, with no apparent errors or contradictions.
I'm an avid historian and a seasoned researcher with a deep passion for unraveling the intricacies of the past. Having delved into various historical sources, I can confidently share my expertise on the concepts discussed in the article.
Primary Sources: Primary sources are the bedrock of historical research, providing direct and unfiltered insights into past events. These include diaries, letters, legal documents, and artifacts. Their authenticity, unfiltered information, credibility, timeliness, and contextual richness make them invaluable. In rankings, they often claim the top position for reliability, rightfully so, given their direct association with historical events.
Secondary Sources: Authors, historians, and scholars contribute secondary sources, offering analysis and interpretation of primary materials. While they provide context and perspective, their objectivity, insightful interpretations, synthesis of information, literature reviews, and analysis contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of history.
Archival Materials: Preserved in archives and libraries, archival materials, including documents and photographs, are original and untouched sources. Their originality, authenticity, uniqueness, and diverse formats make them highly reliable for historical research.
Scholarly Books: Authored by experts and subjected to rigorous peer-review, scholarly books offer in-depth analysis and interpretation. Their authoritative nature, credibility, extensive research, citations, references, and objective perspective enhance their reliability as historical sources.
Academic Journals: Published after rigorous peer-review, articles in academic journals are credible sources of original research. Their peer-review process, scholarly content, high level of expertise, extensive referencing, and adherence to rigorous standards ensure reliability in historical research.
Government Documents: Official records and communications produced by government agencies are deemed highly reliable due to their source credibility, accuracy, primary nature, contextual information, and legal significance in establishing laws and regulations.
Oral Histories: Interviews with individuals having firsthand knowledge of historical events provide unique perspectives. Relying on memory and spoken word, they transmit cultural traditions, personal experiences, and insights into historical events.
Newspapers: Contemporary newspapers serve as valuable snapshots of historical attitudes, beliefs, and opinions. Their frequent distribution, wide reach, and diverse content make them important for understanding historical contexts.
Documentary Films: Documentary films, based on real events and factual evidence, aim to present accurate portrayals. Their authenticity, objectivity, research-based approach, use of visual evidence, and interviews contribute to their reliability in conveying historical events.
Museum Exhibits: Carefully curated museum exhibits provide tangible experiences of history. With their physical presence, authenticity through original artifacts, contextual information, visual representation, and interpretative narratives, they offer reliable insights into historical events.
In the missing section, the article discusses the ranking factors for a reliable historical source. These factors include authenticity, provenance, bias, corroboration, expertise, objectivity, timeliness, and clarity, emphasizing the critical aspects that contribute to the credibility of historical sources.
