PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY SOURCES Definitions Primary Source It

PRIMARY SECONDARY & TERTIARY SOURCES

Definitions: Primary Source: It is a first-hand authoritative account of an event, topic or historical event. Anything that contains the original information. Secondary Source: is a second-hand account that interprets, analyzes, critiques and comes to a conclusion from evaluating primary sources. Tertiary Source: is information that is compiled from multiple other sources. Its intended purpose is to re-package existing information to provide an overview on a topic. *Which type of source do you have to avoid using in a formal research paper scenario? (because it weakens your use of logos and definitely undermines your ethos)

Examples of Primary Sources Some examples of original, first-hand, authoritative accounts include: • Letters, diaries, journals, autobiographies or memoirs (Personal thoughts) • Original photographs • First-hand, eye-witness news reports • Speeches, interviews • Creative works like plays, paintings and songs • First-hand research studies and surveys • Laws, legal documents, etc.

Examples of Secondary Sources Some examples of works that interpret or critique primary sources include: • Scholarly research journals written by an expert • Some news articles • Most textbooks • Essays or reviews • Criticisms or commentaries HINT: A secondary source will cite the primary sources (the original work) from which they got it.

Examples of Tertiary Sources Some examples of sources that provide an overview, summary or collection of information on a topic include: • Some “news” articles • Almanacs • Bibliographies or abstracts • Wikipedia pages • Encyclopedias • Any Overview Websites: Pro/Con, About, etc.