Primary and Secondary Sources Flashcards

Study Notes

Primary Sources

Primary sources provide direct or firsthand evidence about a topic or event, created during the timeframe being studied.
Examples include letters, speeches, diaries, newspaper articles from the relevant time, oral histories, documents, photographs, and artifacts.
They offer contemporary accounts, like a picture taken while a trolley was in use.

Secondary Sources

Secondary sources are created by authors who did not experience or participate in the events firsthand.
They interpret or analyze events and typically include books and articles.

Encyclopedia

Printed encyclopedias are categorized as secondary sources and are generally updated every 10 years.

Journal

A journal serves as a personal account detailing specific events, experiences, or interests of the author during the events, making it a primary source.

Database

A database is a computer program designed to organize and link significant information, serving as a tool (similar to Google) to locate sources but not considered a primary or secondary source itself.

Internet

The Internet functions as an electronic communication network connecting computers globally; it is regarded as a tool rather than a source.

Biography

A biography tells the story of someone's life written by another person. While usually a secondary source, it can be a primary source if authored by a contemporary participant or acquaintance.

Memoir

A memoir reflects an individual's memory and personal experiences without extensive external research, shared to convey memories; it often guides toward more reliable sources.

Autobiography

An autobiography is a self-written account of one's life, requiring research to verify dates and facts, thus classified as a primary source.

Description

Explore the definitions and differences between primary and secondary sources through this engaging flashcard quiz. Perfect for students of history and research methods who want to enhance their understanding of how information is categorized in academic work.