Four Short Answers
2-1 Finding Primary Sources1.html
Learning Objectives
- Evaluate a repository of historical primary sources
- Identify a topic for historical research
- Identify useful research questions related to the chosen topic
- Identify types of primary and secondary sources for studying a chosen topic
Module at a Glance
This is the recommended plan for completing the reading assignments and activities within the module. Additional information can be found in the module Reading and Resources section and in the task list.
- Review the module resources.
- Respond to the short response assignment on primary source hunt.
- Complete the quiz on prioritizing primary sources.
- Submit the Project 1: Topic Exploration Worksheet.
Reading and Resources
Digital Repositories: The links below contain resources relating to the drop of the atomic bomb. They will be referenced in the short response activity due this week.
Article: How to Frame a Researchable Question Developing a research question is an important part of topic selection. All history starts with asking good research questions. This resource written by history graduate students guides you through the thought process of framing a successful research question in support of selecting a topic.
Interactive: Fix the Research Question In this supplemental activity, you will be presented with problematic research questions. You will identify the problem and propose replacement questions. This will provide practice for the research question portion of Project 1.
A text only version is available: Module Two Fix the Research Question Text Only Transcript Word Document
Resource: HIS 100 Research Guide Skim through the SNHU Shapiro Library History Research Guide, which includes information about the research tools that are available to you via the Shapiro Library.
Course Documents/HIS 100 Fix the Research Question Text Only Transcript.docx
HIS 100 Fix the Research Question Text Only Transcript
Fix the Research Question (text of interactive activity)
In this activity, you will evaluate a series of research questions, selecting the best historical research question for the identified topic.
Topic 1: The Invasion of Iraq
Select the question that is more effective for historical research:
Was the American military invasion of Iraq in 2003 the right thing to do?
How did the American government justify the invasion of Iraq in 2003?
Correct answer: How did the American government justify the invasion of Iraq in 2003? This question can be answered through research on the invasion.
Topic 2: Causes of War
Select the question that is more effective for historical research:
Which wars have been fought in Africa over access to resources?
Why do wars happen?
Correct answer: Which wars have been fought in Africa over access to resources?
This question is specific and narrow enough that it can be answered in a reasonable time.
Topic 3: Health Regulations
Select the question that is more effective for historical research:
What have been the effects of government regulations on the healthcare industry?
How did the Affordable Care Act of 2010 change the relationship between doctors, patients, and insurers?
Correct answer: How did the Affordable Care Act of 2010 change the relationship between doctors, patients, and insurers?
This question is effective because it focuses on a particular regulation related to healthcare.
Topic 4: United States and China Relationship
Select the question that is more effective for historical research:
Will a new Cold War develop between the United States and China in the near future?
In what ways has the relationship between the United States and China become more tense over the past quarter century?
Correct answer: In what ways has the relationship between the United States and China become more tense over the past quarter century?
Historians can address this question by looking at the past relationship between the United States and China.
Topic 5: International Space Station
Select the question that is more effective for historical research:
When was the International Space Station built?
For what purpose(s) was the International Space Station constructed?
Correct answer: For what purpose(s) was the International Space Station constructed?
This is an appropriate research question that can be answered in a reasonable amount of time through historical research.
1