HIS 100 Module Four Activity Bias
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Apr 3, 2024
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HIS 100 Module Four Activity: Bias in Primary Sources
Locate an additional primary source relevant to your historical event. Use it and the primary source you identified in a previous module to answer the questions below. Replace the bracketed text with your responses.
Source One
Conduct source analysis on a primary source relevant to your historical event.
Attempt to write the APA style citation for your first primary source and include a link to it. You
will not be penalized for incorrect format.
HDA SBU, f. 11, spr. 992, t. 29. Originally published by the Center for Research into the Liberation Movement (TsDVR) together with the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv at http://avr.org.ua/index.php/viewDoc/24469/.
Respond to the following questions:
Who authored or created the primary source?
o
The original author of this source is an unidentified member of the KGB.
What was the author’s position in society at the time the primary source was created?
o
During the Chernobyl accident, KGB officials held significant positions in Soviet society. They were entrusted with high-level responsibilities in addressing the consequences of the nuclear disaster. Additionally, the KGB played a role in intelligence gathering, information dissemination, and ensuring security in the affected areas. The KGB's involvement in dealing with the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster underscores its influential position within the Soviet government and society at that time.
When was the primary source created?
o
The document is dated May 10, 1986 so it can be assumed that it was written on or around that date.
Where was the primary source created, released, or publicized?
o
The source was released in 2016 as part of the 30
th
anniversary of the Chernobyl accident. It was released by the Ukrainian Center for Research.
Who was the intended audience for the primary source?
o
The source is an internal document intended for government or administrative officials managing the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster.
Why was the primary source created?
o
The source was most likely created to provide information and updates on the situation in various districts affected by the Chernobyl disaster. It includes details about the conditions, challenges, and actions taken in response to the accident.
1
Whose perspective(s) is presented in the source?
o
The source presents a variety of perspectives, including reports on dissatisfaction among local people, actions taken by KGB workers, concerns about unemployed individuals and hooligan elements, and updates on the situation in different districts. It provides a snapshot of different viewpoints and experiences related to the Chernobyl disaster.
Source Two
Conduct a source analysis on a primary source relevant to your historical event.
Attempt to write the APA style citation for your second primary source and include a link to it. You will not be penalized for incorrect format.
HDA SBU, f. 11, spr. 992, t. 29. Originally published by the Center for Research into the Liberation Movement (TsDVR) together with the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv at http://avr.org.ua/index.php/viewDoc/24464/.
Respond to the following questions:
Who authored or created the primary source?
o
There does not appear to be an identified author.
What was the author’s or creator’s position in society at the time the primary source was created?
o
Since there is no identified author it is unclear what their position in society would have been at that time. However, the source references the opinion of a veterinarian. A person working at the veterinary faculty of the Ukrainian Agricultural Academy at the time of the Chernobyl accident would have held a significant position in the field of veterinary medicine and agricultural education. The Ukrainian Agricultural Academy provided education, research, and farming and veterinary sciences expertise. Individuals associated with this institution would have been involved in training future veterinarians, conducting research in animal health and agriculture, and potentially contributing to efforts related to the management of the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, particularly in the context
of addressing the impact on livestock and agricultural practices. Therefore, their societal position would have influenced veterinary medicine, agriculture, and education.
When was the primary source created?
o
This source was created on May 12, 1986.
Where was the primary source created, released, or publicized?
o
The source was released in 2016 as part of the 30
th
anniversary of the Chernobyl accident. It was released by the Ukrainian Center for Research.
Who was the intended audience for the primary source?
2
o
The source appears to be an internal document intended for government or administrative officials managing the aftermath of the Chornobyl disaster.
Why was the primary source created?
o
This source was likely created to provide information and updates on various aspects of the Chernobyl disaster, including public attitudes, actions of individuals, and administrative measures taken.
Whose perspective(s) is presented in the source?
o
This source presents a range of perspectives, including statements from a professor at the veterinary faculty of the Ukrainian Agricultural Academy, former members of the Banderite-OUN underground, and reports on the actions of specific individuals. These perspectives reflect the views and experiences of different individuals about the Chernobyl accident.
Both Sources
Analyze the primary sources relevant to your historical event for the presence of bias.
The first source contains several potential biases to consider when analyzing its content. Firstly, a local bias is evident as the source mentions dissatisfaction among the local population with the perception that evacuated people receive better provisions. This suggests a potential bias towards the concerns and perspectives of the local community. Additionally, there appears to be a law enforcement bias as the source highlights the actions of KGB workers in eliminating harmful incidents and managing a situation involving a truck selling vodka. This may indicate a bias towards emphasizing law enforcement's positive actions while downplaying harmful incidents. There is also an administrative bias, as the source highlights the gathering of people near the District Committee building and the spreading of panicked rumors, suggesting a bias towards administrative concerns and the need for control. Additionally, party bias is evident as the
source mentions excluding a person from membership in the CPSU and reprimanding them for spreading rumors, suggesting a bias towards upholding party discipline and control. Lastly, there is an international bias as the source mentions the activities and concerns of foreign correspondents and students, suggesting a potential bias towards highlighting international interactions and perceptions.
The second source contains potential biases to consider when evaluating its content. Firstly, there appears to be a nationalistic bias as the source describes Grigorii Nikolaevich Kalinovskii, a professor at the veterinary faculty of the Ukrainian Agricultural Academy, as a pro-nationalist. This suggests a potential inclination towards promoting Ukrainian nationalism. Additionally, an ethnic bias is evident through the use of the derogatory term "katsapy," which is an ethnic slur for Russians. This indicates a potential bias against Russians. Furthermore, the source portrays sympathy bias as former
members of the Banderite-OUN underground express regret and pain over the Chernobyl accident, suggesting a bias towards sympathizing with those affected by the disaster. Lastly, including information from an operative source introduces the possibility of an 3
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operational bias, which may be influenced by the perspective or agenda of the operative. When analyzing the source, it is essential to approach the information critically and be aware of these biases.
Compare how your historical event is represented in your primary sources.
Source One provides a detailed account of the situation in the districts following the Chernobyl nuclear accident. It mentions dissatisfaction among the locals, the presence of unemployed individuals and hooligan elements, and the need to strengthen police work. It
also provides updates on the number of people with signs of radiation sickness, the count of those evacuated who remain, and complications in food availability. Source two mentions the opinions of a veterinarian, agriculture professor, and former members of the
Banderite-OUN underground, who expressed regret over the Chernobyl accident and concern for the injured and killed. It also provides information about drivers from Automotive Transport 11067 in Ivankov who refused to transport cargo to the Chernobyl area and the subsequent actions taken by the establishment.
Source one focuses on the specific situation in the districts impacted by the accident's aftermath while also highlighting complications in social structure. Source two highlights
the sentiments and opinions of those living in these areas and gives a direct impression of
the event.
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