Source Analysis
As we move through history we are always evaluating the values and limitations of our sources. This is a valuable life skill as it helps you be an informed learner. We always should know where a resource comes from and why and for whom it was produced. Here are some tools to help you in your quest to better evaluate a source.
A great OPCVL website
Helpful Resources
- Here is a link to our OPCVL Rubric
- A PPT to help you understand the concept
- Reading a political cartoon website
Sample Source Analysis from our Columbus DBQ
Joel Barlow, an American diplomat and historian published The Vision of Columbus, in 1787. The source is valuable because Barlow is a credible source and his views represented to the views of Americans in the late 1700’s. The source is limited because Barlow being a diplomat was trying to push America to define a hero.
The purpose of the source is valuable because it was intended as a national epic for the United States it was popular with the reading public for a few years, and was compared with Homer, Virgil and Milton, but it is limited since it has been for the most part dismissed as an overblown and tedious failure.
The contents main ideas shows Columbus is great because he found, civilized and helped dignify the new world. It is valuable because it gives a clear facts that explain the works and life of Columbus. It is limited because it only focuses on the good works for Europe.
Sample OPCVL Paragraphs
Sample 1
Source A is a primary record of the Three Power Pact itself from an online archive. Its purpose is to record the terms of the pact signed in September 1940 and to inform the general public at that time the terms of the pact and hence the agreements made between the respective countries that signed it. It is a valuable source as it is the official document of the pact, which shows up the actual terms agreed on, the relationship between Italy, Germany and Japan at that time and their respective commitments as stated by the pact. It is limited however, because it does not show the effect or impact of the pact for the Axis or Allied powers, hence, may be insufficient for the study of the Three Power Pact.
Sample 2
A particularly valuable source is Mason’s Book on the workings class during Nazi period. The origin presents its greatest value as Mason is a Historian specializing in this field, an expert of Nazi Germany. The fact that he was British adds to the value of the book as it could be argued that his nationality allowed him to be able to observe the evidence in a slightly more balanced way than a German historian perhaps could, who feels more involved in relatively recent events. However, the origin may also present some limitations. As a British historian, Mason may wish not to explicitly illustrate the beneficial effects of the Nazi schemes as Germany was Britain’s enemy during the war.
The purpose of this source is to educate people about the conditions of the working class. This clearly adds to the value of the book as it was also written with the benefit of hindsight. Concluding, this source’s more critical assessment is extremely valuable to my investigation as it appears to be an impartial collection of evidence.