Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Brainstorm: List 3 examples of primary sources. List 3 examples of secondary sources.
Primary sources may include: Journals/diaries, original research, original photocopies or sound recordings, artwork, original documents, speeches, novels, etc. How would you define a primary source now?
Definitions: Primary Source: a document or 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. In other words, they are ORIGINAL documents, creative works, or artifacts.
Secondary sources may include: Literary or artistic analysis, textbooks, dictionaries, anthologies, encyclopedias, journal articles, analysis of research findings, etc. How would you now define a secondary source?
Definitions: Secondary Source: interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them.
Brainstorm: Why is it important to know the difference? Why do authors often use both primary and secondary sources to help them compile a work?
Primary or Secondary?
PRIMARY!
Primary or Secondary? Biography of Drew Brees
SECONDARY!!
Primary or Secondary? A painting by Joan Miro.
PRIMARY!!
Primary or Secondary? History Textbook
SECONDARY!!