History & Research Ethics

Being an ethical researcher means conducting historical research with honesty and integrity. The American Historical Institution provides a solid framework on how to achieve this high level of ethics in their Statement on Standards of Professional Conduct. They begin by stating that “we all participate in making history” with our interpretations of it (American Historical Association). One way I can contribute to this ideal with my research is by putting myself in the shoes of those in the past. Instead of trying to judge with my biases, I can try and understand why they made their life choices based on their surroundings and experiences. This will allow me to interpret the past with integrity.

Another important idea from the American Historical Association is to “[honor] the integrity of the historical record.” This includes striving to make sure all my sources contain accurate, well-researched information before I use them. It is also crucial to properly cite all sources to give other historians credit and so that others may access them. Citing sources builds on other historians’ research which in turn contributes to the historical record.

The American Historical Association also believes that historians should “favor free, open, equal, and nondiscriminatory access to archival, library, and museum collections.” Through my research, I am also using resources that are available online so that there are no barriers to my research. Those who want to further research my references will be able to access them online.

These examples: researching with empathy, using accurate sources, providing proper credit, and using accessible resources will all help me ensure that my final research paper is accurate and ethical. 

Reference

American Historical Association. (2023). Statement on standards of professional conduct. https://www.historians.org/jobs-and-professional-development/statements-standards-and-guidelines-of-the-discipline/statement-on-standards-of-professional-conduct