Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

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2. METHODOLOGY
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Historical methodology may be defined as a systematic body of
principles and rules designed to aid effectively in gathering the
source-materials of history, appraising them critically, and presenting
a synthesis ofthe results achieved.' More briefly it may be defined as
a "system of right procedure for the attainment of (historical) truth.'"
Gottschalk defines historical methodology as a process of critically
examining and analyzing the records and survivals of the past" This
study, however, is analyzed within a qualitative methodological
framework. It is sufficient to say that the qualitative approach
utilized in this study make use of data gathering methods, such as
documentary methods; participant observation and inferential
methods which include grounded theory, analytical induction and
historical analysis.
Analysis in most chapters of this study is interspersed with oral
traditions in the form of izibongo (praise-poems). Praise-poems can
be of use to the historian in a plethora of ways. As a form of poetry
they constitute concentrated and rich historical texts. They provide
J. Delanglez (Ed): A Guide to Historical Method, p.33.
R.F. Clarke: Logic, p.462.
L. Gottschalk: Understanding History - a primer of historical method, p.48.