Get out some paper Copy the following questions and answers into your notes

Historical Thinking & Skills; Historical Documents Primary & secondary sources

1. Describe primary/secondary sources First-hand accounts Physical remains and artifacts Geographic/visual records Written testimony/diaries/letters Oral records Secondary A written account made by someone who has analyzed primary sources and other secondary sources A secondary source is an interpretation

Is the following a primary or secondary source?

Is the following a primary or secondary source?

Is the following a primary or secondary source?

Is the following a primary or secondary source?

Is the following a primary or secondary source?

Is the following a primary or secondary source?

2. advantages/disadvantages to primary sources Lots of details BUT sometimes loses the “big picture” Usually has feelings and emotions BUT may not always be objective Eyewitness accounts BUT usually only a narrow or single perspective At the time of the event BUT does not always have time for reflection Personal account BUT does not always recognize other sources

3. advantages/disadvantages to secondary sources After the fact, time for reflection BUT something may be forgotten Objective, broad perspective BUT no real participation by historian Familiarity with and use of other sources BUT no personal involvement Usually a focus on the big picture BUT often lacking some details

4. Identify 4 similarities between primary & secondary sources Both can be written sources Both are based on the perspective, experiences and knowledge, etc. of the person making the account Both are selective Both provide information which needs to be evaluated

5. Identify 4 questions one must ask when evaluating a source Is the source valid? Do the biases in the source make it invalid? Are there contradictions or inconsistencies in the source? Is the source mostly FACT or OPINION?

6. Identify 4 things to check for a source’s credibility… Identify fact or opinion in the source Internal checks: Look for contradictions and inconsistencies External checks: Check other sources Overall credibility

The following 2 questions are actual AIR Test questions from a previous year’s American History AIR Test (you do not need to copy these down)

What source of information about candidates for public office probably would be free of bias? a.) a pamphlet written by a political campaign worker b.) a newspaper editorial stating the newspaper’s position c.) a reprint of the complete text of the last candidate debate d.) a political advertisement paid for by a political action committee

Which source has the appropriate qualifications to be a credible source of information about how a proposed tax cut would affect the U.S. national debt? a.) a letter to the editor of the NY Times from an astrophysicist b.) a film producer of a documentary about the New Deal era c.) a recent report published by the Congressional Budget Office d.) a television advertisement sponsored by a veterans group