What is a Primary Source?
There are three types of sources used in research:
Primary Sources
A primary source is a firsthand testimony or direct evidence concerning a topic under investigation. Primary sources are written or created during the time period being studied, or by a person directly involved in the event. The nature and value of the sources cannot be determined without reference to the topic and question it is meant to answer. Primary sources offer an inside view of a particular event or time period. Some types of primary sources are:
| Original Documents | Creative Works | Artifacts |
| Diaries | Novels | Jewelry |
| Speeches | Music | Tools |
| Letters | Films | Pottery |
| Minutes | Visual Art | Clothing |
| Interviews | Poetry | Buildings |
| Research Data | Performing Arts | Furniture |
| News | Film | Footage |
| Autobiographies |
Examples:
- Diary of Ann Frank - experience of Jews in World War II
- The Declaration of Independence - United States History
- Arrowheads and pottery - Native American history
Secondary Sources
A Secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. Secondary sources are one step removed from the primary sources. Some types of secondary sources are:
| Textbooks | Journal Articles | Histories |
| Criticism | Commentaries | Encyclopedias |
| Biographies |
Examples:
- Thomas Jefferson: A Life - a biography of Thomas Jefferson
- The Encyclopedia of Education - brief treatments of educational topic
- Introduction to Psychology - Psychology textbook
Access Tools
Access tools help locate primary and secondary sources. Some types of access tools are:
| Databases | Bibliographies | Subject Guides |
| Online Catalogs | Subject Directories | Search Engines |
Examples:
- ERIC - index of educational research
- WebPAC - online catalog
- Google.com - search engine
