HOW TO TEST RELIABILITY IN HISTORICAL EVIDENCE

Reliability – trustworthiness of the sources; is it close to what really happened?

What should you look for?

Who write? (Author)

To/for whom? (Audience)

When? (Date)

Where? (Place)

Why? (Purpose, motive)

What? (Type of source)

What should you establish?

Perspective –

 What viewpoint does the source support?

Bias –

 Is the source balanced or biased in its viewpoint?

 Does the source use language to persuade the reader?

Verifiable evidence –

 Does the source provide evidence (facts) that can be checked (ie. Verified) to determine
its truth

Corroboration –

 Is the evidence in the source supported by other independent sources?

Representativeness –

 Is its viewpoint representative of a wide range of people or does it represent a certain

group?
ANALYSING CARTOONS

What is a Political Cartoon?

The political cartoon is an accepted form of subjective journalism. It may express the view
of the paper, the editor, or the cartoonist, or it may be a response to public opinion. It calls
attention to important events or highlights a potential problem, and encourages the reader to
develop an opinion about a person or situation.

Symbolism in Cartoons

The cartoon is unashamedly biased. Its whole purpose is to draw attention to the artist’s (or
the artist’s employer’s) point of view. It relies heavily on preconceived symbols to deliver its
messages. The wolf, for example, villain of nursery tales, is easily translated into a symbol of
viciousness and evil.

The Impact of Cartoons

With brevity and economy a picture can capture a moment in time, almost as it passes.
History books, in contrast, are written with the benefit of hindsight, but while they can
provide an overview, they are often unable to convey the mood of the moment. Many history
books now relay on cartoons from the past to provide an immediate reflection of history.

Through their humorous, witty, even shocking appeal, cartoons can direct a reader’s attention
to a particular issue, promoting discussion and thought about it. They share a private joke
with the reader. Sometimes they reflect conscious attitudes – as in war propaganda; and
sometimes they reflect unconscious attitudes – as in the issues of class, race and women.

From Chase D. and Krantz V. (1988) A Cartoon History of World Events 1900-
1945 (Longman Cheshire)

THE “ART” OF ANALYSING A CARTOON:

1. Identify the elements of the cartoon:
Examine every aspect – the people, buildings, background, dress, symbols – and look
for clues to relevant historical data. Include the title, caption, quotation, source and
date.

2. Assemble background facts:

Establish at least an approximate date (if one is not given) and assemble any data you
can find about the cartoon and the situation to which it refers.

3. Interpret and outline the message of the cartoon.

4. Comment on the bias of the cartoon:
Is the cartoonist sympathetic to or supportive of a particular side?

5. Evaluate responses to the cartoon:

Comment on the effectiveness, accuracy, and degree of impact. Compare different
people’s responses to the cartoon.