The historical research process explained

Researching for a History assessment piece can often be the most daunting part of the subject. However, it needn't be. Research is a systematic process that, if followed step-by-step, will become a logical and efficient part of your work. Below are links to the nine stages of good research, providing explanations and examples for each one.

1. Key Inquiry Question
2. Background Research
3. Sub-questions
4. Source Research
5. Organise Quotes
6. Topic Sentences
7. Hypothesis
8. Draft Writing
9. Final Draft

Other potential research stages:

• Research Rationale
• Critical Summary of Research

Watch a video explanation on the History Skills YouTube channel:

Below is a pictorial explanation about how the research process works to create a hypothesis from the results of question-driven research. As you follow the research steps, each section of the diagram is completed.

History Skills Online has a ready-to-use Research Journal that follows these 9 steps and provides links back to the website to help you at each stage of your research. You can grab it here.

Begin your research: Key Inquiry Question