Historical analysis sits at the heart of the social sciences, yet historical data is often treated as if it provides objective knowledge about the past. This book challenges this assumption, revealing the uncertainty, selectivity, and interpretive mediation embedded in every historical claim. Advocating an intersubjectivist approach that avoids both naïve positivism and radical relativism, the authors show how rigorous historical analysis can strengthen theory building, causal inference, and generalization. Along the way, the book highlights common hazards – from presentism and confirmation bias to unreflective data use – that threaten the credibility of historical research. Outlining five general principles, each supported by practical procedures, it provides a clear roadmap for reducing bias and strengthening the credibility of social science history. The result is an essential methodological guide for social scientists seeking to use historical evidence with greater clarity, care, and scholarly integrity.

‘In the rush to incorporate more data into their analyses, many social scientists have turned to historical cases without paying sufficient attention to the methodological prerequisites of good historical research – most notably, how to evaluate evidence and sources and how to select cases responsibly. This book by two eminent social scientists represents a major step forward for the discipline, offering a comprehensive guide to the principles, procedures, and best practices for using historical evidence in social science research.'

Sheri Berman - Professor of Political Science, Barnard College, Columbia University

‘Social Science History is a must-read for social scientists working with historical data. Part origin story, part set of commandments, this outstanding book distills what social science history is, why it matters, and how to do it well. Møller and Skaaning have produced an erudite, engaging, and rigorous guide that will have a transformative impact on research practices in the field.'

Volha Charnysh - Ford Career Development Associate Professor of Political Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

‘Historical social science, a multidisciplinary and highly heterodox field, periodically discusses a wide range of historiographical fallacies. Møller and Skaaning's book synthesize these discussions and provides the first systematic guide for navigating the evidentiary, temporal, and theoretical challenges inherent in comparative historical analysis. This book fills a crucial gap for scholars using documentary evidence to answer macro-historical questions.'

Marcus Kreuzer - Professor of Political Science, Villanova University and author of The Grammar of Time. A Toolbox for Comparative Historical Analysis

‘As someone who has spent years compiling historical datasets, I wish this book had existed sooner. Møller and Skaaning fill a glaring gap: rigorous, practical principles for handling historical evidence that every social scientist venturing into the past should master.'

Jan Teorell - Professor of Political Science, Uppsala University