What is the difference between primary and secondary sources?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the distinction between primary and secondary sources, focusing on their definitions and characteristics. This involves explaining how each type of source provides different types of information and perspectives.
Answer
Primary sources are original accounts; secondary sources analyze them.
Primary sources are original, firsthand accounts of an event, while secondary sources interpret or analyze primary sources.
Answer for screen readers
Primary sources are original, firsthand accounts of an event, while secondary sources interpret or analyze primary sources.
More Information
Primary sources include interviews, diaries, letters, photographs, and original documents such as statistics or legal texts. Secondary sources include textbooks, articles reviewing multiple studies, commentaries, and encyclopedias.
Tips
Confusing the two types of sources can lead to incorrect analysis. Make sure to differentiate between firsthand evidence (primary) and interpretations or reviews (secondary).
Sources
- Difference between Primary and Secondary sources - WGU - wgu.edu
- Primary vs. Secondary Sources | Difference & Examples - Scribbr - scribbr.com
- Primary and secondary sources - Sydney - UNSW Library - library.unsw.edu.au
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