What are the advantages and disadvantages of written records as a souces of historical research?

Answer 1

Advantages

a) Unnecessary exaggeration is not present in written record.

b) Information presented in written records is adequate.

c) Most important dates are recorded in written records.

d) It developed into a discipline to be studied at school

Disadvantages

a) Difficult to preserve.

b) We won't know how honest the record is because of the Historian's bias.

Answer 2

Advantages of oral history:

Perspectives exposed through oral history are relative truths that can be weighed in piecing together historical dialogues. The knowledge gained through researching oral testimony often highlights the accounts of individuals whose stories are often overlooked and can provide insight into peoples history that has been generalized by strictly referring to partisan history.

Disadvantages:Individual testimony is highly bias and often two accounts of the same event will contradict. Even memories shared by the same individual can be contradicting because psychology has taught us that individuals often make alterations in their memory and exceptions in their beliefs in order to make sense of them.

For a good source on oral history check out "Houses of History" by Green and Troup pp. 230-252

I don't know who wrote the original answer , but it was vague and I found it wholly to be of little use. Perhaps they didn't understand the question.

Original answer:

some advantages of oral tradtion is that the literature stays within you. You don't have to go look something up if you have a question about your beliefs. disadvantages are that the literature may get revised from person to person. the accounts are not as accurate as those written down.

Answer 3

due to long time data collection,the theory or statment does not apply in current conditions