The research question I am attempting to answer is, “What biases exist in structured and unstructured data regarding works by indigenous people?” In order to answer this question, I would have to search for primary sources. A primary source is “a first-hand or contemporary account of an event or topic” (Seton Hall University). Primary sources can exist in various mediums, including “letters, diaries, photographs, artifacts, interviews, sound or video recordings” (Seton Hall University) created at the time of the event being examined. Generally, to locate primary sources, I start by meeting with the professor to (1) gauge the expectations of the professor in my quest to answer the research question, (2) determine whether I have a “good” research question–and make the necessary changes if do not, and (3) see if they have any suggestions for sources, databases, and scholarly works or prominent authors who study that specific school of thought. Next, I will search through the appropriate databases to find sources, using specific keywords or phrases and filters to help narrow my search. Lastly, I meet with a research librarian to find additional sources available.
In my opinion, the question I have posed may be too broad, or there may not be a lot of research done on the topic. In regards to the former, this means that I will have a difficult time finding information that is specific to what I am analyzing and, therefore, needs to narrow the question, which will then lessen the number of sources I have to look through. On the other hand, a topic that has not been thoroughly explored poses the issue of (1) leaving the researcher to provide a foundation for the topic and (2) leaving the researcher with little to no sources to amplify/oppose their claims. In either of these cases, I would schedule another appointment with a librarian, discuss the ways to reframe the question, or explore other means of obtaining information.
Although the question is not explicitly addressed in the research question, the question that I can answer with the material available is “What is the difference between structured and unstructured data?” This question is still important to answer for readers because many may not know the differences or definitions of structured and instructed data. As researchers, it is pertinent to make definitions and concepts clear to the readers. To access materials that may not be accessible digitally, my next step would be to meet with the school’s archivist, Joseph Taylor, and look for primary sources we may have available in our archives. Since–like most academic institutions–the material we gather is significant to the institution’s history and beliefs/values, the materials available will be limited. In this case, I would continue to work with Joseph and contact other institutions for materials they have. Contacting other institutions’ archivists also allows me to ask about materials that may not be accessible digitally, and request for materials to be sent to me directly.
Vanessa– your research question explores some of the most critical aspects of working with historical data. Sometimes the information in primary sources are presented in structured and unstructured formats. Often times, we as researchers are the ones to take unstructured data (such as key terms, people, dates, statistical information presented in long-form), and transform it into a structured form (tabular data, for example). In the process, historians need to remain cognizant of how that process may instill or replicate biases and prejudice. For example, when working with quantitative data about marginalized communities, scholars need to take the care to not simply reduce individuals into collective numbers, nor reduce their lived experiences into statistics.
I admire how your research question involves working with so many people! Too often, research and writing can be very solitary (and isolated) processes. It doesn’t have to be that way, and that’s why it is so important to have conversations with professors, librarians, archivists, and anyone else who can help you.