Critical analysis

QuickLesson 28: Record Analysis: Critical Appraisal of a Family Bible Record

Every record used for historical research must be critically analyzed, without bias or emotion. Every physical detail of a document or source needs to be appraised. Each and every assertion drawn from the content of that source must be tested against other evidence—internal and external—to determine whether that specific assertion is reliable. Critical analysis is a time-honored standard for historical research. 

EE Sat, 09/19/2026 - 09:58

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Seeking Peer Review?
EE user Ann is a researcher who understands the value of having one’s work critically dissected by outside eyes. Specifically by someone who is both skilled and frank, as opposed to friends who read lightly and praise us supportively.
EE Thu, 04/23/2026 - 08:05

Is That Website Really Reliable?

11 November 2014 No EE reader would ever utter the words "I saw it on the Interweb." But when we find online historical accounts that relate to our subject, are we appropriately critical? Or do we yield to the temptation to use the material, cite the site, and let our readers make their own judgments? At websites, our critical analysis should start with these four questions ...
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