Secondary source

Definition

A secondary source is a document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere, typically providing analysis, interpretation, or commentary on primary sources. These sources serve as a way to understand and contextualize original data, offering insights that can help in verifying facts and claims while supporting investigative work.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary sources often include books, articles, documentaries, and other forms of media that analyze or summarize information from primary sources.
2. They are essential for building context around an event, helping reporters understand the broader implications of their findings.
3. Using secondary sources can enhance the credibility of a report by providing established analyses from experts in the field.
4. When verifying information, cross-referencing secondary sources with primary sources is a critical practice to ensure accuracy.
5. Some common examples of secondary sources include biographies, literature reviews, and critiques of original research studies.

Review Questions

• How do secondary sources complement the information found in primary sources during investigative reporting?
  • Secondary sources complement primary sources by providing analysis and interpretation that help contextualize raw data. While primary sources offer firsthand accounts or original documents, secondary sources synthesize this information and present it in a way that aids understanding. This interplay allows reporters to draw connections and offer deeper insights into the events being investigated.
• In what ways can secondary sources enhance the credibility of a report when used appropriately?
  • When secondary sources are used appropriately, they can greatly enhance the credibility of a report by providing established research and expert opinions that support the findings. By citing reputable secondary sources, reporters can show that their claims are backed by extensive analysis rather than relying solely on their interpretations. This adds depth to the reporting and reassures readers about the reliability of the information presented.
• Evaluate the potential challenges that journalists might face when relying on secondary sources for their investigative work.
  • Journalists relying on secondary sources may face challenges such as bias in interpretation, inaccuracies in prior analyses, or outdated information. If a secondary source misrepresents the data or draws faulty conclusions, it could lead to misinformation in their own reports. Additionally, not all secondary sources are equally credible; therefore, reporters must critically evaluate the reliability and authority of the authors to ensure that they are using valid information to support their investigations.

Related terms

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

scholarly article: A scholarly article is a formal piece of writing that presents original research findings or reviews existing research, often published in academic journals.

citation: A citation is a reference to a published or unpublished source, used to give credit to the original creator and allow readers to locate the source material.