Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 76%

A fifth-grade class is performing research in the school library for a paper on the effects of the Great Depression on the United States. The teacher notices that several of the students are basing all of their research on a series of interviews from the 1980s with farmers who migrated to California from Oklahoma.

For which of the following reasons might the teacher want to direct the students to choose new sources?

Rationale

Oral accounts made long after a historical event may contain factual inaccuracies.

Using interviews conducted in the 1980s may lead to the inclusion of biased or altered memories, which can distort the understanding of the Great Depression's effects. Students should rely on more contemporary sources that reflect the immediate impact of the event for accurate historical analysis.

A (The migration of farmers to California from Oklahoma was not an effect of the Great Depression.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement is incorrect because the migration of farmers to California, often referred to as the "Dust Bowl migration," was indeed a significant effect of the Great Depression. Many farmers left their homes in search of better opportunities due to economic hardship and environmental factors during this period.

B (Oral accounts made long after a historical event may contain factual inaccuracies.) CORRECT

This is the correct choice since oral histories can be influenced by the passage of time, personal perspectives, and memory distortions. Relying on these accounts, especially when they are decades removed from the actual events, can lead to misinterpretations and inaccuracies regarding the historical context of the Great Depression.

C (Historians do not often use oral accounts in their research.) YOUR ANSWER

While historians do sometimes use oral accounts as supplementary sources, they typically prefer primary documents, statistics, and contemporary narratives for foundational research. This statement is misleading, as oral histories can provide valuable insights but are not always prioritized over more immediate sources.

D (Research should be conducted using peer-reviewed secondary sources.) YOUR ANSWER

Although utilizing peer-reviewed secondary sources is important for academic rigor, this choice does not directly address the issue of the students' reliance on outdated oral accounts. While it is a good practice, it does not specifically highlight the potential inaccuracies from the long time span of the interviews in question.

Conclusion

In historical research, the integrity and accuracy of sources are paramount. The teacher's concern about the students relying on oral accounts from the 1980s is justified, as such accounts may not accurately reflect the realities of the Great Depression. Directing students to more immediate and reliable sources will enhance their understanding and portrayal of this significant historical event.

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