Advantages And Disadvantages Of Oral History

Oral History The two interviews conducted were focused on the children of Italian immigrants who settled in Calumet. From their testimony the advantages and disadvantages of using oral history as a primary sources were evident. The advantages of using oral history is that their accounts are first hand experiences. Another advantage is their responses are unfiltered to the questions asked without having time to formulate an answer. The combination of these advantages allows for the individual to give an authentic response to questions about their experiences, rather than formulate a well thought out written response. Oral history has many advantages, but as a primary source there are a few disadvantages. One of which is an individual recalling a false memory. In some cases when events took plave more than forty years ago, the individual could have trouble remembering the exact details of their experience. Another disadvantage is the recollection being only one persons point of view. Due to the possibility of false memories, and some specific details to one like not ebing recorded, it is difficult to corroborate the events they describe. With limited individuals point of view, it is difficult to create a clear image of the time period.

Both James and Katherine recalled the grocery stores coming to their houses and taking orders, then delivering the orders later that week to their homes. Another experience was in regard to food. They both recalled people throughout their neighborhood raising chickens and rabbits to eat, as well as making their own "toma". This information can be validated through further research such as Russell M. Magnaghi's book "Miners Merchants and Midwives Michigan's Upper Peninsula Italians" that confirm this information from the