Understanding Information Sources

What is a primary source?

• A primary source is a summary of events.

• A primary source is an original document or firsthand account.

• A primary source is a fictional narrative.

• A primary source is a secondary analysis of data.

Which of the following is an example of a primary source: a diary, a textbook, or an encyclopedia?

• a newspaper article

• a research paper

• a documentary film

• a diary

What is a secondary source?

• A secondary source is a document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere.

• A secondary source is a fictional narrative about historical events.

• A secondary source is a type of primary source.

• A primary source is a firsthand account of an event.

Name two examples of secondary sources.

• Personal diary

• Research article

• History book, Documentary film

• Interview transcript

What is a tertiary source?

• A tertiary source is a compilation of primary and secondary sources.

• A tertiary source is a primary source.

• A tertiary source is an original research article.

• A tertiary source is a firsthand account of an event.

How do primary sources differ from secondary sources?

• Primary sources are less reliable than secondary sources.

• Primary sources are summaries of events; secondary sources are firsthand accounts.

• Primary sources are always digital; secondary sources are always print.

• Primary sources are original materials; secondary sources analyze or interpret those materials.

Which of the following is a characteristic of primary sources: firsthand account, analysis, or summary?

• interpretation

• firsthand account

• historical analysis

• summary of events

Can a newspaper article be considered a secondary source? Why or why not?

• No, newspaper articles are never considered secondary sources.

• No, a newspaper article is always a primary source.

• Yes, a newspaper article can be considered a secondary source.

• Yes, but only if it reports on scientific studies.

What type of source would a biography be classified as?

• Original source

• Tertiary source

• Secondary source

• Primary source

Explain why primary sources are important for research.

• They are often biased and lack context.

• They provide only secondary interpretations of events.

• Primary sources are important for research because they offer direct evidence and firsthand accounts, ensuring authenticity and context.

• They are less reliable than textbooks and articles.