Secondary source

Definition

A secondary source is a document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere, often providing analysis, interpretation, or commentary. Secondary sources are typically created after an event or period and rely on primary sources for their information. They are crucial for research writing and information evaluation as they help contextualize and synthesize original data.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary sources include books, articles, documentaries, and reviews that analyze or interpret primary data.
2. They help researchers understand the context of primary sources by providing insights into how events were perceived or interpreted over time.
3. In research writing, secondary sources are often used to support arguments, provide background information, and demonstrate the scholarly conversation surrounding a topic.
4. Evaluating the credibility and relevance of secondary sources is vital to ensure accurate representation of information and perspectives.
5. Secondary sources can be biased based on the author's perspective, making it essential to critically assess them when using them for research.

Review Questions

• How do secondary sources enhance the understanding of primary sources in research writing?
  • Secondary sources enhance understanding by providing context, interpretation, and analysis of primary sources. They offer insights into how events or information were perceived at the time or interpreted later. This additional layer helps researchers build a more comprehensive view of the topic being studied and connects various pieces of evidence together.
• Discuss the importance of evaluating secondary sources when conducting information evaluation.
  • Evaluating secondary sources is crucial because it ensures that the information presented is credible and relevant. Factors such as the author's expertise, the publication's reputation, and potential biases must be considered. This critical assessment helps researchers determine which secondary sources will contribute valuable insights to their work and which might misrepresent facts or opinions.
• Assess how the reliance on secondary sources can impact the quality of research writing.
  • Relying too heavily on secondary sources can lead to a lack of original analysis and critical thinking in research writing. While secondary sources provide valuable context and interpretations, overdependence can result in a superficial understanding of the subject matter. To maintain high-quality research, writers should balance the use of secondary sources with their own analyses and engage deeply with primary materials, ensuring a more nuanced exploration of their topics.

Related terms

primary source: An original document or firsthand account that provides direct evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art.

literature review: A comprehensive summary of previous research on a topic, often found in academic writing that synthesizes secondary sources.

citation: A reference to a source of information used in research, providing credit to the original creator and allowing readers to locate the source.