- Give firsthand information about an event or topic
- Are created at the time of the event or shortly afterwards
- Provide direct evidence or testimony about a subject
Examples:
- Newspaper articles from the time of an event
- Diaries or letters written by people involved in an event
- Original research findings published in academic journals
- Government documents, such as legislation or court records
Secondary sources
- Give secondhand information or commentary on an event or topic
- Summarize, analyze, or interpret from multiple primary sources
- Provide more context or background information on a subject
Examples:
- History books that provide an overview of a past event
- Biographies or autobiographies of historical figures
- Literary criticism that analyzes a work of literature
- Documentaries that discuss a historical event or person
In summary, primary sources provide direct evidence about a subject, while secondary sources provide commentary, analysis, and interpretation. Both primary and secondary sources can be valuable, depending on the purpose and context of the research being conducted.