1. Social Studies Skills and Methods
Mini-Unit
Social Studies Skills and Methods

2. Accounts can take different forms
Written
Spoken
Recorded
Drawn
Photographed
Re-created
Sung
Recited
Performed
Artifacts

3. Thus… All accounts are created by people
Each person who creates an account has their own perspective
Each person who creates such an account “selects” what is to be included and what is to be left out of the account based on their own perspective

4. Different Perspectives are shaped by
Age
Personality
Time and Place
Background
Specific agenda
Experiences
Education
Intelligence
Ability to focus
Knowledge
Connections
Significance
ALL PERSPECTIVES ARE BIASED

5. Sources
Information which the account is based upon comes from various types of SOURCES
Primary
First-hand accounts
Physical remains and artifacts
Geographic/visual records
Written testimony/diaries/letters
Oral records
Secondary
A written account made by someone who has analyzed primary sources and other secondary sources
A secondary source is an interpretation

6. Evaluating Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary Sources:
Lots of details BUT sometimes loses the “big picture”
Usually has feelings and emotions BUT may not always be objective
Eyewitness accounts BUT usually only a narrow or single perspective
At the time of the event BUT does not always have time for reflection
Personal account BUT does not always recognize other sources

7. Evaluating primary and secondary sources, cont’d…
After the fact, time for reflection BUT something may be forgotten
Objective, broad perspective BUT no real participation by historian
Familiarity with and use of other sources BUT no personal involvement
Usually a focus on the big picture BUT often lacking some details

8. Similarities Both can be written sources
Both are based on the perspective, experiences and knowledge, etc. of the person making the account
Both are selective
Both provide information which needs to be evaluated

9. Evaluating Sources Questions to ask: Is the source valid?
Do the biases in the source make it invalid?
Are there contradictions or inconsistencies in the source?
Is the source mostly FACT or OPINION?

10. Checking a source’s credibility, accuracy, validity, usefulness
Identify fact or opinion in the source
Internal checks: Look for contradictions and inconsistencies
External checks: Check other sources
Overall credibility

11. Checking a source’s credibility, accuracy, validity, usefulness, cont’d…
Describe the source
Primary or secondary
Who made the source
Basic message/information in the source
Describe the context
Why was the source made (when, where)?
Purpose of the source
Audience
Evaluate the source
Conclusions/interpretations
Fact or opinion
How is the source organized
Any contradictions/inconsistencies
Evaluate the creator of the source
Biases/mistakes/prejudices