What do historians do when using the historical thinking skill of analyzing historical sources?

When historians use the historical thinking skill of analyzing historical sources, they engage in a critical examination of documents, objects, or other types of evidence from the past to understand and interpret history. The steps involved typically include:

1. Sourcing : Historians begin by examining where the source came from, who created it, when it was created, and what purpose it served. Understanding the origin of the source is crucial, as it provides context and helps to determine its reliability.

2. Contextualizing :They place the source within the broader historical context, considering what was happening during the period it was created and how those events may have influenced the source.

3. Corroborating : Historians compare the information from the source with other evidence to see if they are consistent. This step helps to check the accuracy of the source and can provide a more complete understanding of the historical event or period.

4. Close Reading : They carefully examine the details of the source, looking for clues about the creator’s perspective, intended audience, and message. This can involve analyzing text, interpreting images, or examining physical attributes of the source.

5. Analyzing Point of View and Purpose: Historians consider the creator's perspective, biases, and motivations. They evaluate how the creator’s view might have shaped the content of the source and what the creator hoped to achieve by producing it.

6. Synthesizing : After examining multiple sources and perspectives, historians integrate the information into a coherent narrative or explanation of the past. This synthesis requires critical thinking and careful judgment to create an accurate and balanced interpretation.