Here are a few tips about undertaking historical research, but they are probably true for all forms of research:

Never rely on other people’s work. Most writers are lazy and will repeat lies and half-truths.

Footnotes are vital shortcut to both primary and secondary resources.

Always try to cross-check your facts.

Never believe what you read in newspapers. Journalists are always getting things wrong.

“It’s good enough”: It may never be possible to 100 per cent verify a fact because vital sources are either missing or unclear.

Have a regard for Occam’s Razor: in essence the simplest explanation is normally the correct one. That one should not make more assumptions than are needed.

Above all, trust your sixth sense about what rings true and what is false.

Enjoy!