An analysis of the validity of information from different historical sources

1. Oral Traditions
Strengths
 The listener is able to ask
questions for clarification or
additional information
 The listener can interpret
facial expression and
gestures of the narrator
 Provides information about a
topic or time period that
may otherwise lack
documentation in written or
archival records
Weaknesses
 The information may differ
from one person to another
 Memory of the informant is
fallible and the story is
subject to distortion
 It does not have accurate
dating
 Interviewer’s questions may
intentionally or
unintentionally influence the
informant’s response.

2. Archeology
Strengths
 Archeology provides material
evidence such as human
skull, iron, clay, curved
stones and so forth
 It fills up the gap left by oral
traditions
 It provides accurate dating
 It provides crucial
information on settlement
patterns of the people in the
past
Weaknesses
 Excavation is a laborious
and tedious exercise
 It requires expertise to
execute

3. Written Documents
Strengths
 Provide information on the “who, what,
where, when, why, and how” of an
event.
 Provide written, printed, or graphic
information.
 Purpose of the communication or
transaction is often clear.
 May indicate the social and economic
status of the author.
 May offer insight into the emotional
state of the author.
 Can stimulate the personal involvement
of the reader.
Weaknesses
 It is written from ones’ point of view and
interpretation therefore open to personal
prejudice.
 The identity of the author may be unclear
especially true to government documents.
 The author is usually no longer living and thus
cannot be consulted for verification.
 May be difficult to read (handwriting may be
difficult to decipher); words or phrases may be
unfamiliar and their meanings may have changed
over time.
 Documents must be evaluated in conjunction with
other evidence to determine whether they
present information that is exceptional or
conforms to previously established patterns.

4. Images
Strengths
 Visual record of a particular moment in time.
 Conveys a variety of details about people, places,
objects, and events.
 Conveys information about everyday life and
behaviour that is best communicated in visual
terms (hair and clothing styles, interior design).
Sometimes provides evidence of the photographer
or painter’s attitude.
 Important to the study of people who did not
leave many written records.
 Can stimulate the personal involvement of the
viewer.
 Can be used to stimulate the memory of an oral
history informant.
Weaknesses
 Not a complete or objective source: the image
that serves as the lasting record may not equate
directly with the reality of the event itself.
 The relationship of the photographer or painter to
his or her subject is not always clear. The people,
place, date, and photographer or painter are
often not identified.
 The emotions and thoughts of those involved
generally are not evident.
 Information from this kind of source is often
suggestive rather than definitive; photographs and
paintings must be studied in conjunction with
other evidence, i.e., documents and oral
histories, to determine if the information is
unusual or part of a larger pattern.