Understanding Primary and Secondary Sources

Front

What is a primary source?

Back

A first-hand account of an event created by eyewitnesses

Front

What is a secondary source?

Back

An account created at a later date by someone not present at the event.

Front

What does the process of "sourcing" involve when examining a document?

Back

Examining the "who," "what," "when," "where," and "why" of a document

Front

What does "contextualizing" a document involve?

Back

Taking into consideration how the author was influenced by when and where the document was produced.

Front

What is the purpose of corroboration in historical analysis?

Back

To compare different sources for accuracy and validity

Front

What does close reading involve?

Back

Critically examining details and language patterns

Front

What is the definition of "point of view" as presented in the document?

Back

An opinion or perspective presented by the author, influenced by personal circumstances.

Front

What does "frame of reference" refer to according to the document?

Back

The personal attributes and life experiences of an author that may have influenced their point of view.

Front

What does the term "historical context" refer to?

Back

The circumstances of the time in which an event occurred or in which an author lived that may have influenced his/her point of view.