Interpreting Primary Sources

Evaluating Primary Sources

Once you have chosen a primary source that you would like to study, you will need to study it and then evaluate it.

If you are considering a historic document, read through the document to gain a general understanding of what it is about. Some historical documents—such as court decisions or laws—are written in a formal or very technical style and may be difficult to comprehend. Do not be concerned if you do not understand the complete document after one reading.

Read carefully through the document a second time. A close reading will help you gain a better understanding of the document's context and meaning. As you read the document, keep the following 12 points in mind.

ONE

Who created the document? If it was written by an individual, what is the background and social status of that person? Is the person neutral, or might he or she have had opinions or beliefs that influenced his or her writing? If the document was written by a government body or corporation, you should also question whether that organization is neutral or not.

Open Ended

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the first point in evaluating a primary source in one sentence, or phrase, only.

TWO

How does the author know what happened? Did the individual or group take part in or witness the event? Or is the document based on what others saw and heard? What does the answer imply about the document's credibility?

Open Ended

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the second point in evaluating a primary source in one sentence, or phrase, only.

THREE

When and where was the document created? Historians judge historical documents according to the time and place rule—the closer in time and place an author and source were to an event, the more reliable that source might be. A historical document created during the event or immediately after it is usually more reliable than a document created many years after the event took place.

Open Ended

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the third point in evaluating a primary source in one sentence, or phrase, only.

FOUR

In what historical context was the document created? It is important to know this because the author might have been influenced by the beliefs and attitudes of that time. Is the historical document similar to or different from other primary sources created at that time?

Open Ended

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the fourth point in evaluating a primary source in one sentence, or phrase, only.

FIVE

What is the main point that the author is discussing? What evidence does the author use to support this point? What is the tone of the document? Remember that authors may use sarcasm or jokes or exaggeration in their writings.

Open Ended

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the fifth point in evaluating a primary source in one sentence, or phrase, only.

SIX

Why was the document created? Did the author want to inform or persuade others? Remember that the author of a document is writing about an event from his or her viewpoint or may even be trying to convince you that something happened or needs to happen.

Open Ended

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the sixth point in evaluating a primary source in one sentence, or phrase, only.

SEVEN

Keep the bias rule in mind: every source is biased, or writing about an event from his or her viewpoint, in some way. Read the document carefully and critically. Are there any words that lead you to believe that the source is biased? Compare it against other sources to determine whether the information is reliable and accurate. Even though an author may be biased, the historical document can still contain much valuable information.

Open Ended

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the seventh point in evaluating a primary source in one sentence, or phrase, only.

EIGHT

If the document is a translation from a different language, ask yourself similar questions about the translator: Does the translator have a particular viewpoint or agenda? What are his or her credentials? When was the translation created? Are other translations of the same original text available for comparison?

Open Ended

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the eighth point in evaluating a primary source in one sentence, or phrase, only.

NINE

What was the purpose of the original historic document? Was it meant for a large audience, like a law or a court decision? Or was it a personal source meant for a very small audience, like a letter or a diary? Even a published document may not be accurate. An unpublished document may provide crucial and fascinating details about an event because the author assumed it would never be seen by the public.

Open Ended

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the ninth point in evaluating a primary source in one sentence, or phrase, only.

TEN

Who was the intended or likely audience? What do you know about the audience?

Open Ended

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the tenth point in evaluating a primary source in one sentence, or phrase, only.

ELEVEN

How is this document interpreted today? Does your knowledge of the event affect your interpretation of the document?

Open Ended

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the eleventh point in evaluating a primary source in one sentence, or phrase, only.

TWELVE

How will this document help you answer a historical question or support your thesis statement?

Open Ended

IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the twelfth point in evaluating a primary source in one sentence, or phrase, only.

When analyzing other types of primary sources your questions should be similar to those asked when reading a historic document. You will want to know as much as possible about a person or group who created the photograph, film, recording, or artifact that you are studying, as well as the time, location, and context in which the source was created.

In addition, consider the material, size, and form of an artifact, tool, or building; the visual clues provided in a drawing or film; and the use of sound in a video or speech.

Also investigate the intended audience. Who might have used the source and what was it used for? What technology was available at the time of its creation? Who supported and financed its creation?

Multiple Select

What are some factors you should consider when evaluating any type of primary source. Check all that apply.

• time, location, context the photograph, film, recording or artifact was created

• material, size, form of an artifact, tool or building

• visual clues provided in a drawing or film

• sound in a video or speech

• intended audience of the source and who supported and financed its creation

Works Cited

All the information in this Quizizz lesson was taken from Infobase Curriculum Tools.

“Analyzing Primary Sources.” The Facts On File Guide to History Research, Facts On File, 2017. American Indian History, online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=15110&itemid=WE43&articleId=367514. Accessed 10 Nov. 2020.