Primary sources are first-hand or immediate accounts of a topic or event. These sources are what researchers analyze.
Examples of primary sources include:
When would you use primary sources?
For historical and biographical research and/or to compare different opinions or conclusions.
If you were to evaluate a scholar's interpretation of an event or source, you would want to look at what they were drawing information from so you can decide if you agree with their conclusions.
Secondary sources are an intermediary between primary sources and a researcher. They offer opinions, analyses, or conclusions about the topic or event.
Examples of secondary sources:
When would you use secondary sources?
To understand how scholars and researchers have approached and analyzed primary sources; most of your academic assignments will focus on secondary sources.
These are secondary sources and are usually the main resources you will use in academic settings.
Before being published, articles submitted to these journals are sent to experts in the field for review. These experts are looking for the quality and validity of the research and methods used by the researcher. This does not mean you should assume the information valid or correct; you will still want to evaluate the source, yourself.
Tertiary sources compile and present information from other sources as a summary or list. They usually do not offer analysis or an opinion.
Examples of tertiary sources:
When would you use tertiary sources?
Throughout the research process to gather facts and information to compare. They are generally not used to support academic analyses but are a great starting point, especially if the topic is unfamiliar.
