Source Analysis: Historians carefully analyze the available historical sources, such as documents, artifacts, and other evidence. They critically examine the authenticity, accuracy, and reliability of these sources to extract relevant information.
Contextualization: Historians attempt to understand historical events within their broader context. They consider the social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental factors that may have influenced or shaped the events and behaviors under study.
Comparison and Contrast: Historians compare and contrast different sources and pieces of evidence to identify similarities, differences, and patterns. They use these comparisons to draw inferences about the past and to develop a more comprehensive understanding of historical events.
Deductive Reasoning: Historians apply deductive reasoning by starting with a general historical hypothesis and then using specific evidence to support or disprove the hypothesis.
Inductive Reasoning: Historians may use inductive reasoning to make inferences based on evidence or observations, leading to a generalized conclusion.
Interpretation: Historians interpret historical evidence and data in light of their historical knowledge, research, and analysis. They aim to develop coherent and plausible narratives or arguments that explain and make sense of the past.
Corroboration: Historians seek corroborating evidence to support their inferences and interpretations. They look for consistency and convergence among different sources and lines of evidence.
Triangulation: Historians may employ triangulation by drawing on multiple types of sources, methods, and perspectives to verify their inferences and interpretations.
Counterfactual Reasoning: Historians may use counterfactual reasoning to consider alternative scenarios or outcomes in history and explore what could have happened under different circumstances.
Inferences in historical research are never absolute and are always subject to revision as new evidence emerges or as historiographical perspectives evolve. Historians strive to make their inferences as well-supported, logical, and plausible as possible based on the available evidence.