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Primary and Secondary Sources....
What's the difference, Anyways???
Primary Sources
A document or object that was written or created at the time that an event occurred or after those events in the form of an oral history or memoir. They offer an “inside view” of that particular happening or event, and they serve as the raw material to interpret the past. Essentially, they are “first hand” accounts of a particular event or experience.
Characteristics of Primary Sources
® Original
® First-hand account
® Usually written or made close to
the event or time period
® Factual
® Research results
® Report of scientific discoveries
Examples of Primary Sources
- Diaries, Journals, Letters
- Newspaper and Magazine Articles (factual accounts)
- Government Records
- Photographs, Maps, Posters
- Recordings of speeches
- Transcripts of speeches
- Interviews
- Songs
- Plays
- Poems
- Novels
- Short Stories
- Paintings, Drawings, Sculptures
Secondary Sources
The purpose of a secondary source is to interpret and/or analyze a primary source(s). They are generally one or more steps removed from the event and may contain pictures, quotes or graphics from primary sources within them. They are usually in the form of published works – such as articles or books—or in radio or television documentaries.
Characteristics of Secondary Sources
® Analysis / Interprets primary source
® Second-hand account
® Interpretation of creative work
® At times opinion based
® Information may come from a variety of sources and perspectives
Examples of Secondary Sources
- Textbooks
- Magazine articles critiquing, analyzing or adding additional perspective
- Histories
- Criticisms
- Encyclopedias
- Commentaries
- Second-hand accounts & “retellings”
- Conference proceedings
