Which investigative process is most helpful for learning about past societies?

Question

using historical inquiry
collecting artifacts
using the scientific method
studying foreign languages

Answer 1

The most helpful investigative process for learning about past societies is using historical inquiry. Historical inquiry involves critically analyzing various sources of information, such as documents, artifacts, and other evidence, to construct narratives and understand the complexities of past societies. While collecting artifacts and using the scientific method can provide valuable information, historical inquiry specifically focuses on interpreting and contextualizing that information within the broader narrative of human history. Studying foreign languages can also be beneficial, particularly for accessing primary sources, but it is not as comprehensive as historical inquiry in terms of understanding entire societies.