Methods used to collect historical information

Methods used to collect historical information

There are four methods which historians use to collect information about past events.

1. Oral interview – This method is used to collect oral memories, especially oral traditions and testimonies.
2. Documentary research – This method is used to find written information about events that happened in the past. This kind of research is conducted in libraries, archives and other documentation centres.
3. Direct observation – In this method, historians visit historical sites where records about past events can be found.
4. Questionnaire – This method is used to collect written information from a big number of respondents.