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Research Plan and Introduction template is included as a
file that you need to use, it is provided so that you can follow the exact
layout of the paper. The red printed areas in the template need to be filled
out. In the template you will see 4 sources (2 primary and 2 secondary sources)
that you will be using for this Research Plan and Introduction paper, no other
sources other than the 4 that are provided in the template.
Overview of Primary and Secondary Sources
Historical research generally includes analysis of primary sources as well as
consideration of scholarly secondary sources.
Primary sources are first-hand accounts of a historical event, usually written
at the time the event occurred, by somebody who was somehow involved in the event.
Secondary sources are second-hand accounts of a historical event, usually (but
not necessarily) written after the event occurred, by somebody who was not
involved in the event. The secondary source uses collections of primary sources
to build an interpretation of the event.
Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:
I. Compile secondary sources about your event that address the following
questions using the provided materials. Be sure to cite your information using
the most recent version of APA guidelines. Based on the sources you have
selected, address the following questions:
A. What is the historical context of the event? In other words, what was going
on in the world/area/society around the event?
B. How did the historical context influence the event? For instance, what was
happening in the world/area/society around the event that impacted how it
occurred?
II. Compile primary sources you could use for additional information using the
provided materials. Be sure to cite your information using the most recent
version of APA guidelines. Based on the sources you have selected, address the
following questions:
A. Discuss how the primary sources relate to the secondary sources. Do the
primary sources support what the secondary sources are telling you, or do they
contradict what those sources have told you?
B. Explain what these primary sources add to your understanding of the topic.
How does it help you understand the topic better than the secondary sources?
III. Write your introduction.
A. Based on your primary and secondary source research, turn your research
question into a thesis statement that addresses your topic and how it has been
influenced by its historical context.
B. From the knowledge you have gained from your primary and secondary sources,
determine what background information you will use in the introduction to lead
to your thesis statement.
C. Write your introduction. Be sure to incorporate your background information
and to conclude with your thesis statement.
Guidelines for Submission: Your research plan and introduction should be 4
pages, with double spacing, one-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font,
and formatted according to the most current version of APA style.
History: Research Plan and Introduction
Name
Institution/Affiliation
Research Question
What was the physical effect on Japanese civilians after
the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945?
Secondary Sources
Reynolds, M. L., & Lynch, F. X.
(1955). Atomic bomb injuries among survivors in Hiroshima. Public
Health Reports, 70(3), 261–270.
Historical
Context: After the Hiroshima bombing there was an urgent need
for studies that can present the results regarding atomic bomb injuries
sustained in relation to the type of protection survivors were afforded at the
time of impact. It was apparent that the effects of the atomic bomb were
varying concerning the distance from the point of explosions. Various accounts
from the survivors had been collected and compiled by the Joint-Navy Commission,
which was tasked with investigating the medical effects of the bomb just a few
months after the explosion (Reynolds & Lynch, 1995).
Influence
of Historical Context: In principle, Reynolds and Lynch (1955),
decided to compile a statistical
study regarding the type of injury sustained by the survivors of the atomic
bomb so that to offer an estimated representation of actual injuries sustained
in Hiroshima. For that reason, it was considered desirable to compile study and
research data to discover the type and extent of injuries suffered by the survivors
relating to the distance as well as the type or lack of shelter afforded the
survivors.
Malloy, S. L. (2012). ‘A very
pleasant way to die’: Radiation effects and the decision to use the atomic bomb
against Japan. Diplomatic History, 36(3),
515–545.
Historical Context:
According to Malloy (2012), after the attack on Hiroshima gradually the medical
team started to notice strange symptoms among patients, some of the survivors
complained of loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and general illness as well
as the injuries sustained. As days went by, the doctors were presented with a
different mystery where patients developed petechiae complemented by severe
loss of hair. Subsequently, this led to a high number of reported deaths
regardless of injuries sustained by the patients. A blood analysis conducted on
the patients revealed a strange symptom that depicted low count of white blood
cells.
Influence of Historical Context: Malloy (2012) asserts that the strange discovery by the doctors regarding the medical effects on the survivors led to an inquiry to discover the details surrounding...
