Primary Source Evaluation

Bias Analysis

• Author perspective
• Purpose identification
• Intended audience
• Contemporary context
• Comparative assessment

Usage Guidelines

Evaluation Process

1. Establish source identity
2. Verify authenticity
3. Determine date and origin
4. Trace provenance
5. Analyze purpose and bias
6. Assess reliability
7. Document findings

Source Criticism Questions

• Who created the source?
• When was it created?
• Why was it created?
• For whom was it intended?
• How has it been transmitted?
• What biases are present?

Documentation Standards

• Record source metadata
• Note physical characteristics
• Document analytical methods
• Preserve findings
• Cite appropriately

Integration Points

Related Processes

• Archival Research Methodology
• Primary Source Analysis
• Historical Narrative Construction

Collaborating Skills

• archival-finding-aid-interpretation
• citation-scholarly-apparatus
• tei-text-encoding

References

• Historical methodology texts
• Paleography guides
• Diplomatic analysis standards
• Source criticism frameworks