Overview
This lecture discusses Della Labo's article "The Peopling of the Reef," highlighting key practices in good ethnohistorical research and how to apply these rules to students’ own projects.
What is Ethnohistory?
- Ethnohistory combines historical research with ethnographic (cultural) methods.
- Good ethnohistory is honest, clear, and transparent about its strengths and limitations.
Structuring Ethnohistorical Research
- Begin with a clear research aim or question, stated explicitly at the start.
- Keep the focus on answering the main question throughout fieldwork and analysis.
Methods and Evidence
- State research methods plainly (e.g., oral history interviews, newspaper and literature search).
- List all types of evidence used (interviews, archives, maps, etc.) in simple terms.
- Identify informants and give reasons for selecting them (e.g., elderly residents of three islands).
Representing People and Place
- Name people and locations involved to allow readers to assess the representativeness of findings.
- Ground stories in local landscapes and resources to provide plausible explanations for human behavior (e.g., unique double barrier reef, fishing economy).
Using and Presenting Data
- Include and translate local quotes to show meaning, then explain their significance.
- Compare memories and oral accounts with documented sources for triangulation.
- Report and explain disagreements between sources instead of hiding them.
Engaging With Prior Work
- Use previous studies as a guide, not a constraint; compare local patterns to regional trends to strengthen analysis.
Stating Limits and Implications
- Clearly state what the study can and cannot determine.
- Acknowledge possible biases or missing information so readers can judge the findings.
- End with practical questions or implications for policy or future research.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ethnohistory — research combining historical records and ethnographic methods to study peoples and cultures.
- Triangulation — using multiple sources or types of evidence to verify findings.
- Informants — individuals interviewed for their direct experience or knowledge.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Apply these rules and checklist when planning and writing your terminal (final) project.
- Ensure your own research question, methods, sources, limitations, and practical implications are clearly presented.