ABSTRACT
Most of us are interested in the past and curious about the way things were in former eras. Those whose curiosity reaches the stage of commitment to do something about it will be interested in historical research. Historical research is past-oriented research which seeks to illuminate a question of current interest by an intensive study of material that already exists. Historiography refers to the systematic collection and objective evaluation of data related to past occurrences in order to explore research questions or test hypotheses concerning causes, effects or trends of those events that may help explain present events and anticipate future events. Since history deals with the past, the purpose of historical research cannot be to control phenomena. Instead, the research is intended to help understand or explain what went on and perhaps to predict into the future. Such journals as the History of Education Quarterly, published by the History of Education Society and the School of Education of New York University provide good examples of the types of historical studies that are currently under way.
