Databases for quantitative history

Kirwan, Luke

Databases for quantitative history

Files

1549.pdf(208.65 KB)

Published Version

Date

2013

Authors

Kirwan, Luke

Publisher

Sun SITE Central Europe / RWTH Aachen University

Abstract

This paper will propose that, rather than sitting on silos of data, historians that utilise quantitative methods should endeavour to make their data accessible through databases, and treat this as a new form of bibliographic entry. Of course in many instances historical data does not lend itself easily to the creation of such data sets. With this in mind some of the issues regarding normalising raw historical data will be looked at with reference to current work on nineteenth century Irish trade. These issues encompass (but are not limited to) measurement systems, geographic locations, and potential problems that may arise in attempting to unify disaggregated sources. It will discuss the need for a concerted effort by historians to define what is required from digital resources for them to be considered accurate, and to what extent the normalisation requirements for database systems may conflict with the desire for accuracy. Many of the issues that the historian may encounter engaging with databases will be common to all historians, and there would be merit in having defined standards for referencing items, such as people, places, locations, and measurements.

Keywords

Database , Quantitative methods , Historical data , Normalisation , Digital resources , Accuracy , Defined standards , Referencing , Nineteenth century Irish trade

Citation

Kirwan, L. (2013) ‘Databases for quantitative history’ (from the Proceedings of the Third Conference on Digital Humanities in Luxembourg with a Special Focus on Reading Historical Sources in the Digital Age, Luxembourg, December 5-6), CEUR Workshop Proceedings, 1613.