When starting a new research project, one of the challenges you might face is figuring out what kinds of sources to use. Sources of information are often categorized as primary, secondary, or tertiary. These categorizations reflect the source’s relationship to the original information or event being described.
Understanding the distinctions between types of sources is an important part of being a researcher because different sources serve different purposes in the research process. In this post, we’ll explore the characteristics of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources with examples to help you identify and use these sources effectively.
Primary sources are original materials. They are records of evidence about an event or discovery that were created at the time the event or discovery occurred. Primary sources often share new information that has not been published before.
Imagine you’re a chef preparing a dish. Your ingredients are like primary sources—they’re the raw, unprocessed food items you’re going to use. In the academic world, primary sources are the raw materials of research. They are the original, firsthand accounts or direct evidence of a topic under investigation.
Examples of primary sources can include:
Primary sources give you direct access to original ideas, events, and data. They are the closest you can get to a specific event or moment in history without hopping in a time machine!
Secondary sources are one step removed from the original event or information and were created at a later point in time.
Think of secondary sources as a prepared dish. Just as a chef combines ingredients to create a meal, secondary sources synthesize, interpret, and discuss information from primary sources. In the academic world, secondary sources describe and analyze primary sources by providing context and different perspectives on a topic.
Examples of secondary sources can include:
Secondary sources can help you get a broader understanding of a topic. They’re like having a knowledgeable friend explain something to you. They’ve done the heavy lifting of processing the primary information and have provided their own commentary too.
Tertiary sources compile, summarize, or index information from both primary and secondary sources.
If primary sources are the raw ingredients and secondary sources are the carefully prepared meal, tertiary sources are like a menu—they give you a quick overview of what’s available. In the academic world, tertiary sources are useful starting points for research and can help you learn background information about your research topic.
Examples of tertiary sources can include:
Tertiary sources can point you in the right direction and give you a general understanding of a topic before you dive into more specific primary or secondary sources.
Understanding the differences between these types of sources is important for a few reasons:
The distinctions between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources aren’t always clear-cut. Some sources might fit into multiple categories depending on how they’re used. When in doubt, ask a librarian for clarification!
Whether you’re just starting your research or trying to refine your techniques, learning these different types of sources will help you navigate the vast information landscape and find the best sources for your needs!
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