Is Oral History A Reliable Method Of Research?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Because oral histories rely on the memory of individuals, some of my colleagues believe they are less reliable sources than written documents . But oral histories really can correct, confirm, and add to the historical record. ... Without my interviews the incorrect written record might have gone unchallenged.

What is oral history in research?

What is Oral History? Oral history is a method of conducting historical research through recorded interviews between a narrator with personal experience of historically significant events and a well-informed interviewer, with the goal of adding to the historical record.

Is oral tradition reliable?

Oral tradition is therefore a reliable source because African non-literate societies have always from time immemorial used the oral mode, of which oral tradition is an integral part for the transmission of their history-customs, traditions, folklores etc from one generation to another.

Are oral histories considered research?

Oral history is defined by the Oral History Association (OHA) as “ a method of gathering and preserving historical information through recorded interviews with participants in past events and ways of life .” Many oral history projects do not need to be submitted for IRB review, because they do not seek to contribute to ...

How can you make oral history reliable?

  1. Formulate a central question or issue.
  2. Plan the project. ...
  3. Conduct background research.
  4. Interview.
  5. Process interviews.
  6. Evaluate research and interviews and cycle back to. ...
  7. Organize and present results.
  8. Store materials archivally.

What is a disadvantage of oral history?

Oral history has many advantages, but as a primary source there are a few disadvantages. One of which is an individual recalling a false memory . ... Due to the possibility of false memories, and some specific details to one like not ebing recorded, it is difficult to corroborate the events they describe.

How do you end an oral history interview?

RETREAT: Close each interview session by asking a “deflationary” question, such as an assessment of the experiences just discussed. All sessions should be planned and scheduled so that they conclude before the interviewee becomes fatigued.

What are examples of oral history?

  • After the Day of Infamy: “Man-on-the-Street” Interviews Following the Attack on Pearl Harbor. ...
  • Black Oral History Collection. ...
  • Civil Rights History Project at the Library of Congress. ...
  • Civil Rights in Mississippi Digital Archives.

What are the types of oral history?

Some researchers collect oral traditions, including legends, folklore, and family stories passed down through the generations. When gathering oral tradition, document also the storytellers’ accounts of how they received the tradition, from whom, when, where, and why. Research the topic.

How important is oral history?

Oral history enables people to share their stories in their own words , with their own voices, through their own understanding of what hap- pened and why. With careful attention to preserving our sound recordings, the voices of our narrators will endure to speak for them when they are gone.

What are the problems associated with oral tradition?

There are obvious problems with the use of oral traditions. Critics easily point out that they lack absolute chronology, are extremely selective in their content, and are compromised by possible human errors . ... It has become realized, for instance, that many written documents are in reality processed oral traditions.

What is another name for oral tradition?

lore beliefs fables ballad folk story oral history folk tradition folk tales traditional stories folk stories

What are the sources of oral tradition?

Oral traditions are cultural narratives such as origin stories, myths, and legends that are passed down from generation to generation orally as cultural knowledge . Typically, until the intervention of an outside researcher, oral traditions do not exist in written form.

What happens if you do research without IRB approval?

2.3. The IRB cannot require the investigator destroy data or prevent the investigator from analyzing or publishing the data collected without prior IRB approval. Federal regulations do not state how data collected without IRB approval may be used.

Which type of research does not need to get an IRB approval?

Publicly available data do not require IRB review. Examples: census data, labor statistics. Note: Investigators should contact the IRB if they are uncertain as to whether the data qualifies as “publicly available.”

Which type of IRB review does not require?

“Exempt” human subjects research is a sub-set of research involving human subjects that does not require comprehensive IRB review and approval because the only research activity involving the human subjects falls into one or more specific exemption categories as defined by the Common Rule.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.