Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Your instructors may require you to use more primary sources than secondary sources for your research. Discover the identifying characteristics and advantages of primary and secondary (and tertiary) sources with this guide.

Primary Sources

Primary sources are uninterpreted, original, or new materials—e.g. an activist gave a speech, a scientist conducted original research, a student drew original conclusions from others’ works, an artist created a piece of artwork, or your grandmother wrote an autobiography. Primary sources are first-hand, uninterpreted experiences. They are created by witnesses or participants of an event, except for historical research.

Why Use Primary Sources?

Sources that present new research, original conclusions based on the research of others, or an author’s original perspective are more helpful and effective for your needs. They allow you to interpret the information rather than relying on the interpretations of others.  This is why your instructors may require you to seek out original research for your assignments. Keep in mind that because primary sources reflect the true meanings and ideas put forth by authors, the information itself may not be completely objective, well-reasoned, or accurate.

Examples

  • Scholarly journal article that reports new research and findings
  • Newspaper/magazine articles written soon after the event/fact
  • Court records
  • Translation/excerpt of an original document
  • Art or music
  • Autobiographies
  • Manuscripts
  • Correspondence, letters
  • Speeches
  • Interviews
  • Data from a research study
  • Websites

Identifying Primary Sources

  • Did the author conduct original research on the topic?
  • Is the information the result of a survey?
  • Is the information uninterpreted data or statistics?
  • Is the source an original document or a  creative work?
  • Did the information come from personal experience?

Secondary Sources

Secondary sources are information sources that interpret, include, describe, or draw conclusions based on works written by others. Secondary sources are used by authors to present evidence, back up arguments and statements, or help represent an opinion by using and citing multiple sources. Secondary sources are often referred to as being “one step removed” from the actual occurrence or fact.

Why Use Secondary Sources?

Secondary sources are best for uncovering background or historical information about a topic and broadening your understanding of a topic by exposing you to others’ perspectives, interpretations, and conclusions. However, it is better to critique an original information source (primary source) if you plan to reference it in your work.

Examples

  • Most books (including textbooks)
  • Documentary movies
  • Art, book, movie, and theater reviews
  • Analysis of a clinical trial
  • Newspaper/magazine articles written as historical, opinionated, or reflective accounts
  • Commentaries
  • Biographies
  • Dictionaries, encyclopedias
  • Websites (also primary)
  • A research paper written by you
  • Literature reviews and meta-analyses
    Note: Many times literature reviews and meta-analyses make up part of a peer-reviewed journal article. If the article includes new data or draws new conclusions, remember that overall it is a primary source.

Identifying Secondary Sources

  • Did the author consult multiple sources to create this work?
  • Is this information an interpretation or paraphrasing of another author’s work?
  • Did the information come from second-hand reporting?
  • Is the source a textbook, review, or commentary?
  • Does the source include quotations or images?

Comparison of Similar Sources

Primary

Secondary

Statistical table of public school teachers’ salaries in Minnesota Article describing trends in Minnesota teachers’ salaries

A reproduction of the Declaration of Independence

Book exploring the history and political thought behind the Declaration of Independence

Speech by well-known business leader

Biography of business leader

Physical evidence in a court trial

Lawyer’s closing remarks/argument

Results of a treatment trial testing a new antidepressant on elderly men

Book about treating depression with changes in diet and exercise

Blockbuster movie filmed in 198

Biography of the lead actor

Original artwork, perhaps a sculpture

Critique of that sculpture

Notes taken by clinical psychologist

Magazine article about the psychological condition