Primary & Secondary Sources
Primary Sources are immediate, first-hand accounts of a topic, from people who had a direct connection with it. Primary sources can include:
Texts of laws and other original documents. Newspaper reports, by reporters who witnessed an event or who quote people who did. Speeches, diaries, letters and interviews - what the people involved said or wrote. Original research. Datasets, survey data, such as census or economic statistics. Photographs, video, or audio that capture an event. |
Secondary Sources are one step removed from primary sources, though they often quote or otherwise use primary sources. They can cover the same topic, but add a layer of interpretation and analysis. Secondary sources can include:
Most books about a topic. Analysis or interpretation of data. Scholarly or other articles about a topic, especially by people not directly involved. Documentaries (though they often include photos or video portions that can be considered primary sources) |
Primary Secondary
Artwork Article critiquing the piece of art
Diary Book about a specific subject
Interview Biography
Letters Dissertation
Performance Review of play
Poem Treatise on a particular genre of poetry
Treaty Essay on a treaty
Artwork Article critiquing the piece of art
Diary Book about a specific subject
Interview Biography
Letters Dissertation
Performance Review of play
Poem Treatise on a particular genre of poetry
Treaty Essay on a treaty