Oklahoma History Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2

Question 1

Which primary source type is most reliable for researching the experience of Oklahoma homesteaders during the Land Run of 1889?

Accepted Answer

Diaries and letters written by participants at the time

Answer

Diaries and letters written by participants at the time are primary sources that capture firsthand experiences directly.

Question 2

A historian studying the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 finds conflicting death toll estimates ranging from 36 to 300. What is the best research practice?

Accepted Answer

Triangulate across multiple credible sources and acknowledge uncertainty

Answer

Triangulating across multiple credible sources and acknowledging uncertainty reflects sound historical methodology when evidence is incomplete.

Question 3

What does the term 'historiography' mean in the context of Oklahoma history research?

Accepted Answer

The study of how historical interpretations have changed over time

Answer

Historiography refers to the study of how historical interpretations and methodologies have evolved among scholars over time.

Question 4

When researching Native American land cessions in Oklahoma Territory, which institutional archive would be most authoritative?

Accepted Answer

The Oklahoma Historical Society or National Archives

Answer

The Oklahoma Historical Society and National Archives hold original treaties, government correspondence, and official records relevant to land cessions.

Question 5

A researcher notices that most early accounts of the Oklahoma Land Run were written by Anglo-American settlers. What bias concern does this raise?

Accepted Answer

Survivorship and perspective bias that excludes Native American and Black viewpoints

Answer

When sources predominantly reflect one demographic, they create survivorship and perspective bias that silences marginalized voices.

Oklahoma History Practice Test

Oklahoma History Practice Test

Oklahoma History Research & Evidence-Based Practice 2