Uses of the Chinese Biographical Database

Some Research Uses

The Chinese Biographical Database can be used directly for Research and Teaching from the Search and Report functions. As one example, often times researchers are frustrated because in reading a Chinese document there are many pen names and aliases, thus making it difficult to ascertain authorship. A search or report for Alternate Names would enhance the ability for scholars to understand the context of their documents.
Sample Search:

For Further Samples of how queries can be useful see the Sample Queries [Search] Examples page.

Reports are another area of research utility. Particular backgrounds and data, sources are all available for each biographical figure. At present there are nine report request forms that have access to the Database.
Sample Report:

Contributions are another area of utility for research. Researchers can use this site to fulfill their responsiblity to contribute their knowledge by supplying missing information or contributing to new entry of figures. There are two principles involved.

• First, the idea is that this is a scholarly moderated database, so that new information must be documented and that makes the database of greater utility to the users.

• Secondly, the more information we can gather, the more context and foundation we can give to our studies of China. Rather than repeating the collection of information, as has been the case, in this site the goal is to have a place to dynamically share the information and enhance the areas of validity and interpretation.

Future Plans include expanding areas of scope, depth and utility of the information. See, Work in Progress.

Some Teaching Uses

A database can be used by teachers to encourage the gathering of information and the analysis of that information. Utilizing the various sections of this site, including the "What is a Database?", teachers can actually design projects that use interactive information. The database will also be of specific utility to students who are studying Chinese history and social science - social studies areas, who need to find basic biographical information, or sources on a figure, etc. This database is a primary resource and a foundation of information for secondary sources.

Copyright © 1998 M. Levine. All rights reserved.
Revised: September 06, 2001.