Secondary sources

Definition

Secondary sources are documents or recordings that relate or discuss information originally presented elsewhere. They are often interpretations or analyses of primary data, providing context, commentary, or criticism on the original material. Secondary sources play a crucial role in research by helping to build a broader understanding of a topic through established facts and perspectives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary sources can include books, articles, documentaries, and reviews that analyze or interpret primary data.
2. These sources help researchers understand how others have interpreted the same data or events, allowing for a broader view of the subject matter.
3. Using secondary sources effectively requires critical evaluation to determine their reliability and relevance to your research.
4. Incorporating secondary sources can strengthen arguments by providing established viewpoints and background information on the topic.
5. When developing research plans, secondary sources can help outline existing knowledge and guide further inquiry into less-explored areas.

Review Questions

• How can secondary sources be effectively used in building a research plan?
  • Secondary sources can serve as foundational tools in crafting a research plan by identifying existing knowledge and highlighting gaps in the current literature. By reviewing these sources, researchers can understand the context of their topic, which informs their objectives and questions. This process helps ensure that subsequent research builds on established findings rather than duplicating efforts.
• What steps should you take to verify the accuracy of secondary sources when fact-checking?
  • To verify the accuracy of secondary sources, begin by checking the author's credentials and their expertise in the field. Next, assess whether the source is published in reputable journals or by credible publishers. Cross-referencing information with other reliable secondary sources can also help confirm facts and ensure that the interpretation aligns with established knowledge.
• Discuss how secondary sources can aid in resolving conflicting information found during research.
  • Secondary sources can be invaluable when faced with conflicting information as they provide analysis and context that might clarify discrepancies. By reviewing multiple secondary sources, researchers can identify common themes or consensus views among experts. This comprehensive approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of conflicting data and aids in constructing well-rounded arguments or conclusions.

Related terms

primary sources: Primary sources are original materials created at the time of an event or phenomenon, such as interviews, eyewitness accounts, or raw data.

literature review: A literature review is a comprehensive survey of existing scholarly articles, books, and other publications on a particular topic to summarize current knowledge and identify gaps.

citation: A citation is a reference to a source of information used in research, which gives credit to the original author and allows others to locate the source.