Correct Answer - Option 3 : Historical method
Historical research consists of the studies of the past happenings. In one sense, the study of history highlights causal relationships of past events and outlines enough background for understanding the social phenomena, past as well as present.
The main feature of historical research is the evaluation of historical data. The backbone of historiography is the authenticity of data collected through different sources. Even when the data are collected through different sources, doubts can be raised about their validity, reliability and relevance. The process of judging validity, reliability and relevance of data is carried out through two devices viz. External Criticism and Internal Criticism.
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External criticism is also called lower criticism. It is concerned with testing the authenticity and genuineness of sources of data. In other words, every historical researcher must examine whether a document or source really is what it seems to be. It helps to determine whether it is what appears or claims to be and whether it reads original so as to save the researcher from being the victim of a fraud. On the whole, the general criteria followed for such criticism depend on:
- A good chronological sense, a versatile intellect, good common sense, an intelligent understanding of human behaviour, and plenty of patience and persistence on the part of the researcher
- Contemporary reputation of the source
- Consistent reputation of the source over the years
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Internal criticism: Once the sources are verified for their authenticity and genuineness, the content of the data is subjected to verification which is known as internal criticism of the data. It is also called higher criticism and is concerned with the validity, credibility, or worth of the content of the document.
Hence, we conclude that internal and external criticism is associated with Historical Research.
