Exploratory Analysis and Interpretation Using the Census

Two-Three Page Report

Due Friday by noon in my mail box 310 Skinner

 

Steps in the Analysis

:

1.      Interrogate the historical source:

 

*What information does it contain?

 

*What can the information reveal or indicate?

 

*What are the limitations of the source, i.e., what is it unlikely to indicate or reveal?

2.      Frame a question to explore.

3.      Generate a hunch or hypothesis about the likely results.

4.      Carry out the analysis and generate results.

5.      Interpret the results:

 

*explain the meaning, the significance, and the likely implications of the results;

 

*clearly indicate the limits of the interpretation by stating qualifications.

6.      Report the results and interpretation:

 

*identify the source from step one;

 

*re-state the original or revised question from step 2 and explain why it’s important to ask and answer;

 

*re-state the original or revised the hypothesis from step 3;

 

*present the results from step 4;

 

*present the interpretation, with connections to other works when possible and with needed qualifications.

 

Format for your paper

 

I. Briefly describe your question and state why you think it is historically of interest. [Three sentences.]

 

II. Describe the census records you are using and explain how they can be used to answer your question. Consider and note any significant limitations of your evidence for the question at hand. [Three or four sentences.]

 

II. State your hunch or hypothesis and briefly explain your reasoning behind it. [Three sentences]

 

IV. Present your results in a display (table, graph, etc.) and briefly describe them. [Paragraph]

 

V.  State and discuss your interpretation of the results, including the historical significance of them. To help show significance, describe a connection with a pertinent point in Tindall’s Célestine. [Give the fullest attention to this part, i.e., approximately two solid paragraphs.]

 

Put your social security number at the top of the report without your name.

 

Draw on the examples I gave you in composing your report:

 

http://www.mtholyoke.edu/courses/rschwart/hist101/quant-exploration.htm