Questions and Answers
What is a primary source?
A first-hand, direct account of something; an original piece.
Which of the following are examples of primary sources? (Select all that apply)
What is a secondary source?
Sources that discuss, analyze, or refer to a primary source; a second-hand account.
Which of the following are examples of secondary sources? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source?
Signup and view all the answers
Is a newspaper article a primary source?
Signup and view all the answers
Is an email a secondary source?
Signup and view all the answers
Is a blog always a primary source?
Signup and view all the answers
Is a university textbook a primary source?
Signup and view all the answers
Is a fiction book a primary source?
Signup and view all the answers
Is a biography a primary source?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Primary Sources
- Defined as first-hand, direct accounts of events or objects, constituting original pieces of evidence.
- Examples include:
- Statistical data
- Legal documents
- Photographs
- Emails
- Blogs
- Original writings
- Videos
- Diaries
- Maps
- Research findings
- Government records
Secondary Sources
- Characterized as sources that analyze, discuss, or reference primary sources; they provide second-hand accounts.
- Examples include:
- Newspaper articles
- Literature reviews in journal articles
- Book reviews
- Movie reviews
- Textbooks
Key Differences
- A primary source is the original document or evidence, while a secondary source provides interpretation or analysis of that original document.
Evaluating Sources
- A newspaper article serves as a primary source if it reports a journalist's direct observations; if it discusses existing research, it is a secondary source.
- Emails are classified as primary sources as they represent original communication, though they might include analyses or data from secondary sources.
- Blogs can vary: personal accounts are primary sources, while those reviewing or commenting on other work can be secondary.
- University textbooks are considered secondary sources as they synthesize information from primary and secondary sources, sometimes qualifying as tertiary sources.
- Fiction books are primary sources due to their original storytelling, while non-fiction books may be secondary as they may refer to other works; autobiographies are primary, while biographies are secondary.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on primary and secondary sources with this informative quiz. Learn to distinguish between first-hand accounts and interpretative sources, and explore various examples of each. Ideal for students in history or research courses.