I have seen similar discrepancies, and often 180-degree contrary opinions, when studying philosophical and theological texts, scientific topics, or business research on various topics. I have read back-to-back articles that made me wonder what, if anything I was reading, was credible. As much as I enjoy reading history and research studies, I cannot help but wonder, at least a little, if I am wasting my time. I recognize I cannot become too cynical, but some days it is hard not to be. I am currently researching organizational trust in the leader-follower dyad. I have read hundreds of articles and many books on the topic, and in the end, it is hard not to go with what has intuitive appeal, the empirical research often being at odds with other studies. At least with my research on trust, I have my own experience; with history, as Ken points out, we weren't there.

Now, as to the problems associated with eyewitness accounts ....