Primary sources are resources that contain original information or are as close to it as possible. Different fields of study have different primary sources.
Some Primary Source Examples by Subject:
|
Science |
A research study written by researchers on an experiment they conducted. These are often seen in peer-reviewed journals and contain very specific information about the method of the research. |
|
History |
Diaries, letters, speeches, newspaper articles, or even objects. Photos, videos, and audio recordings are also considered primary sources even though they can only be used for more recent historical events. |
|
English |
A literary work such as a novel. |
|
Arts |
An original piece of art or live performance. |
Secondary sources are one step removed from primary sources. They usually contain information from primary sources, but they are often summaries, add analysis, or connect the information to other ideas or events.
Examples might include biographies, political commentaries, reviews, textbooks, critiques, encyclopedias, etc.
