Historical methodology refers to the techniques and principles used by historians to analyze and interpret past events. Influences on historical methodology are varied and often rooted in theoretical frameworks that shape historians' approaches to evidence, narrative construction, and the significance of context. For example, positivism stressed a scientific approach to history, advocating for empirical evidence and objectivity, while interpretivism emphasized the subjective understanding of historical events, considering the perspectives and experiences of individuals. Additionally, postmodernist theories challenge the notion of a singular narrative, arguing for the validity of multiple interpretations of history, highlighting how language and power dynamics shape our understanding of the past.
These methodologies are influenced not only by philosophical currents but also by cultural, social, and technological changes, which in turn affect how historians gather data and present their findings. The evolution of historiography reflects these influences, demonstrating the ongoing dialogue between historical interpretation and theoretical frameworks (Tosh, John. The Pursuit of History. 6th ed., Routledge, 2015; Carr, E.H. What Is History?. 2nd ed., Penguin Books, 1986).