What are primary and secondary sources?
Answer
A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event. Some types of primary sources include:
- ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records
- CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art
- RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings
Examples of primary sources include:
- Diary of Anne Frank - Experiences of a Jewish family during WWII
- The U.S. Constitution - American History
- A journal article reporting NEW research or findings
- Weavings and pottery - Native American history
- Plato's Republic - Philosophy, History and Culture of Ancient Greece
A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Some types of secondary sources include:
- PUBLICATIONS: Textbooks, magazine articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries, encyclopedias
Examples of secondary sources include:
- A journal/magazine article which interprets or reviews previous findings
- A history textbook
- A book about the effects of WWI