Internet Research

Research Paper # 99433

Computer and Technology > Internet
Computer and Technology > Technology
Education > Education and Computers

Internet Research

This paper discusses using the Internet as a historical source.

1,573 words () | 8 sources | APA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer explores the pros and cons of using the Internet as a historical source by looking at the Hindenburg tragedy of 1937. The writer then looks at the web sites which appear when a "Google search" is done of the event and of its aftermath. In a closely-related vein, the paper also appraises the authors/creators/backers of the pertinent sites that one comes across in the course of this exploration. Finally, the paper concludes with a look at the usefulness of the Internet (especially with regards to this topic) as a historical tool and a brief mention is made of the likely future for Internet research. In the final analysis, it may be said that the Internet really only functions as a productive research tool if it is utilized with scrupulous care and plenty of critical thought.

From the Paper:

"For one thing, while there are many online locations dedicated to the Hindenburg Crash, there is little evidence to suggest that academics had a hand in all but a few of them. To put it another, a cursory view of the first five pages of site findings in Google reveals mostly "home-made" web pages and illustrations depicting merely what amateur sleuths or enthusiasts have been able to learn about the crash. Given that reality, it is difficult to escape the conclusion that any researcher looking into the Hindenburg disaster should only use the internet if he or she is seeking to uncover hard-to-find illustrations about the crash or if one is looking for audio descriptions of the crash from reporters alive at the time. At the risk of seeming uncharitable, the works seem generally to be only one or a few pages in size, are riddled (in most instances) with grammatical errors, and are written and presented in a casual, non-academic manner."

Sample of Sources Used:

"Airships: DJ's Zeppelin Page." Airship: the Zeppelin History and Photo Website. N.d. 19 Sept. 2006 <http://www.airships.net/>
EyeWitness_to_History.com. "Crash of the Hindenburg, 1937." EyeWitness_to_History.com: History through the eyes of those who lived it. n.d.. Ibis Communications, 19 Sept. 2006 <http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/vohind.htm>
"Hindenburg Crash." Google Search. 1996. Google Company. 19 Sept. 2006 <http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=%22hindenburg+crash%22&meta=>
"The Hindenburg Crash." Student Projects. N.d. Cary Academy. 19 Sept. 2006 <http://web1.caryacademy.org/chemistry/rushin/StudentProjects/CompoundWebSites/2000/Hydrogen/hindenburg_crash.htm>
"The Hindenburg Lands in Omaha." Hindenburg Zeppelin Stamps Collection. n.d. Stamp & Coin Appraisals. 19 Sept. 2006 <http://www.stamp-coin-appraisals.com/articles/hindenburg.htm>