Source Analysis

History is the result of the presentation and interpretation of various sources. Thus source analysis is the first and foremost task of historians in the practice of history. Source analysis is the first step toward understanding a source. While approaching a source, a number of questions have to be asked to validate the credibility of the source. Generally, the following aspects must be considered to analyse a source.

Origin of the source

This is the first thing to be analysed. The origin of the source can be traced by validating its author, and the period of its creation. This is particularly important if the researcher is dealing with an original source (whether is original or a copy). This also helps to determine the type of source - primary and secondary. 

Motive or purpose behind the source

Every historical source is, in one way or another created with a motive or purpose. Thus the researcher has to analyse the real purpose behind the creation of the source. This will help to find out the element of bias in the source.

Content presented in the source

It is very important to analyse what content is presented in the source. It naturally leads to the types of materials used to present the theme. In the caste of a secondary source, the credibility of the content can be assessed through the citations and use of primary sources.

The context in which the source is produced

Firstly, place the document in its historical context. This enquires the background of the creation of the source. Where, why, and under what circumstances did the author write the document? How might the circumstances have influenced the content, style, or tone of the document?

Audience focused

Finding out the source's intended audience is an integral part of source analysis. Here, the researcher has to find out whether the source is meant for any target group. If it is a historian it is likely that the audience is the general public or an academic circle. If the source is a diary entry it is highly likely that the intended audience was either solely to the author or their family. Considering the audience is very important, as it will also reveal elements of bias that may be present in the source.

The perspective presented in the source

This considers whether a source is objective or subjective. Perspective is extremely important as it helps establish reliability. It is also helpful to understand different views on a particular historical event.

Reliability of the source

For a source to be considered reliable it must contain accurate historical information. This means that a source can be written in a completely subjective manner and still be considered reliable, as all facts are accurate.

The usefulness of the source

In order to concisely answer whether a source is ‘useful’, consider the three R’s:

• Is the source relevant to what is being asked?
• Has the source revealed an insight into the question?
• Is the source reliable in providing the information required to answer the question?