Content analysis is research using the categorization and classification of speech, written text,

interviews, images, or other forms of communication

A contextual analysis is simply an analysis of a text that helps us to assess that text within the
context of its historical and cultural setting, but also in terms of its textuality or the qualities that
characterize the text as a text.

Why is contextual analysis important in history?

In analyzing historical events, context can help us understand what motivates people to

behave as they did.

Historical text informs the reader about key events and important people from the past.
Historical text gives the reader an understanding of what led up to the important events in
history. Examples of historical text are: nonfiction history books, autobiographies, biographies,
historical research websites, diaries, social studies/history textbooks, past newspapers,
encyclopedia
There are a number of criteria that historians’ use that can be applied to establish the
significance of events. Relevance to people living at the time. Resonance to people’s
experience, beliefs or situations at the time. Relevance to an increased understanding of the
present-day Remarked on by people at the time and since Remembered within the collective
memory of a group Revealing of some other aspect of the past Results that have consequences
for the future Durability– for how long people’s lives were affected Quantity– how many lives
were affected Profundity– how deeply people’s lives were affected
examination of the author's main argument and point of view
What is examination of the author's main argument and point of view?
Evaluation of Writing
For any sort of article, paper, or essay, we must be able to evaluate the author's point of view,
which is the attitude or opinion on the topic. Evaluate means to assess the value of something.
sources and their authors’ point of view. Point of
view refers to perspective of the author toward a particular person or issue that has been
shaped over a period of time due tohis/her experiences, motives, beliefs, origin, age gender,
social status and ideology.