Answered By: David Meincke
Last Updated: Mar 11, 2021     Views: 227

The information below explains the difference between primary and secondary sources

Source Type Examples
Primary
A primary source is a first person account by someone who experienced or witnessed an event. This original document has not been previously published or interpreted by anyone else.
  • First person account of an event
  • First publication of a scientific study
  • Speech or lecture
  • Original artwork
  • Handwritten manuscript
  • Letters between two people
  • A diary
  • Historical documents, e.g. Bill of Rights
Secondary
A secondary source is one step removed from the primary original source. The author is reexamining, interpreting and forming conclusions based on the information that is conveyed in the primary source.
  • Newspaper reporting on a scientific study
  • Review of a music CD or art show
  • Biography

 

The library databases include many primary sources, such as empirical research articles, or contemporary news or magazine articles about important events.

You might also try the Digital Public Library of America Primary Source Sets 

Lots of primary sources are also available online from various universities, libraries, and archives. Remember to cite your sources too. Ask for help from a librarian if you need help searching for or citing primary sources!

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