Secondary source

Definition

A secondary source is a document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere, often created after an event or period being studied. These sources provide interpretation, analysis, or commentary on primary sources, allowing for deeper understanding of the context and significance of the original material.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary sources can include books, articles, documentaries, and essays that analyze or interpret primary sources.
2. They are valuable for understanding different perspectives on historical events or cultural phenomena because they synthesize information from various primary sources.
3. When evaluating secondary sources, it's important to consider the author's credentials, potential biases, and the context in which it was written.
4. Secondary sources are essential for research as they provide context and background information that can guide your understanding of primary materials.
5. Citing secondary sources appropriately is crucial in academic work to acknowledge the contributions of other scholars and to support your own arguments.

Review Questions

• How do secondary sources differ from primary sources, and why is this distinction important when evaluating evidence?
  • Secondary sources differ from primary sources in that they interpret, analyze, or discuss information from original documents rather than providing firsthand accounts. This distinction is important because it affects how we understand historical events and cultural contexts. Evaluating both types of sources helps us to build a more comprehensive view of the subject matter by recognizing the differences in perspective and reliability each type offers.
• Discuss the role of secondary sources in historical analysis and their impact on our understanding of events.
  • Secondary sources play a crucial role in historical analysis by providing interpretations and context that can help us understand the significance of events beyond what primary sources offer. They allow historians and researchers to synthesize various perspectives, which can lead to new insights or revisions of previously accepted narratives. The impact of secondary sources is profound; they shape public understanding of history and inform academic discourse by framing discussions around key themes and controversies.
• Evaluate how the use of secondary sources can enhance critical thinking skills when conducting research.
  • Using secondary sources enhances critical thinking skills by encouraging researchers to analyze various viewpoints, assess the credibility of different authors, and compare interpretations of primary data. This evaluative process fosters a deeper understanding of subjects by challenging individuals to think critically about biases, context, and varying narratives. Engaging with secondary literature allows researchers to formulate their own informed opinions while recognizing the complexities inherent in any given topic.

Related terms

primary source: A primary source is an original document or firsthand account created at the time of the event, providing direct evidence or firsthand testimony.

historical analysis: The examination and interpretation of historical events, contexts, and sources to understand their meaning and implications.

scholarly article: A written work that presents research findings, theories, or reviews of literature by experts in a specific field, often peer-reviewed and published in academic journals.