Primary vs Secondary Sources

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What is a primary source?

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A primary source is an original document or firsthand account created at the time of an event. Examples include diaries, photographs, and original research.

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What is a secondary source?

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A secondary source is a document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere. Examples include textbooks, articles, and biographies.

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Give an example of a primary source.

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An example of a primary source is a letter written by a soldier during a war.

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Give an example of a secondary source.

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An example of a secondary source is a documentary film about World War II.

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What type of source is a magazine article written at the time of an event?

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A magazine article written at the time of an event is a primary source.

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What type of source is a report about an event written by a peer?

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A report about an event written by a peer is a secondary source.

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Are photographs considered primary or secondary sources?

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Photographs are considered primary sources if they were taken at the time of the event.

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What type of source is a biography?

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A biography is a secondary source because it interprets and analyzes the life of a person based on primary sources.

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Are reference books primary or secondary sources?

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Reference books are secondary sources because they compile and summarize information from primary sources.

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What is the difference between primary and secondary sources?

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Primary sources provide direct evidence or firsthand accounts, while secondary sources analyze, interpret, or summarize primary sources.