1. Primary and Secondary Sources The basis of studying history.

2. What is a Primary Source? A first hand account or physical object that was written or created during the time period being studied.

3. Examples of Primary Sources Include: Advertisements Census Records Court Records Political Cartoons

4. What problems do Primary Sources pose for researchers? Are they authentic to the time period and account? Do they present with any bias? Are they reliable?

5. What is a Secondary Source? An account or object created by someone using information from primary and other secondary sources.

6. What are some examples of Secondary Sources? Textbooks Biographies

7. How do you decide the effectiveness of a source? Start with the author – Who are they? Who is this intended for? Will this create a bias? Is the content reliable? Validated by other sources? What is the person’s goal in creating it?