Distinguishing between primary and secondary sources is an important first step in scholary research. As critical inquiry is essential to solid, accurate research, scholars need to know the difference. According to the Society of American Archivists, primary sources are defined as "material that contains firsthand accounts of events and that was created contemporaneous to those events or later recalled by an eyewitness."
The SAA also defines secondary resources as "works not based on direct observation of or evidence directly associated with the subject, but instead relying on sources of information", as well as "works commenting on another work (primary sources), such as reviews, criticism, and commentaries."
The American Library Association's Reference and User Services Association has a detailed guide discussing the use of primary sources in research. Princeton University also provides a comparative overview of primary and secondary resources to aid in distinguishing between the two.
Just a couple of titles listed in our collection related to the research process.
Although good research takes time, it doesn't have to be difficult if time is taken to prepare. Here is a brief overview of the process.
Thinking Critically about Thinking
Developing ideas for focused study is difficult. Trying to understand how we as individuals think may help in developing patterns of successful information retrieval and processing. Use the Elements of Thought diagram to better understand the underlying mental processes and essential questions for critical thought.
Conducting research is a critical process, no matter how trusted the source may be. Use the following criteria for evaluating the validity of Internet content:
Also known as the CRAAP Test for evaluating information, use this set of criteria to maintain a critical focus on whatever sources are used in your research.
Other considerations for evaluation:
Other helpful sites
Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply & Questions to Ask - University of California, Berkeley
Evaluating Information Found on the Internet - Johns Hopkins University
One helpful way to understand which source to use when starting a research project is to think about the timeline in which events unfold, and the sources in which they are published along the timeline.
When events occur, information is disseminated almost immediately by social media and popular news sites across the internet, and television. Newspapers will then offer more detailed accounts of the event. After a week, a more detailed analysis of the event will take place in formats such as magazines. After about a month, subject-specific scholarly journals will publish articles by academic professionals providing a more thorough summary and historical synopsis of the event. In approximately a year, books will be published describing the event. Finally, after years of analysis, reference sources (encyclopedias, handbooks, etc.) publish a more complete history and evaluation of the event.
The University of Arizona provides an excellent (and brief) interactive tutorial of the Information Timeline. Temple University Libraries also provide a thorough explanation of the concept.