Primary sources are original materials or records of events as they were first described. They were either created during that particular time period or later by a participant in the studied event. They form the basis for subsequent interpretations or studies.
Primary research would be research that investigates a new problem or issue, or investigates a longstanding issue with a new approach. Also called Field Research, it focuses on collecting data that has not before been gathered.
Secondary SourcesSeconday sources often attempt to interpret, explain, or analyze primary sources. Literature reviews and textbooks are examples of secondary sources. Some secondary sources also attempt to persuade the reader to a particular point of view.
Encyclopedias, textbooks, reviews are all examples of secondary sources.
Secondary research, also called desk research, involves the description, summary, collation, synthesis, explanation, or review of primary research.
| Primary Sources | Secondary Sources | |
| Art | Original Artwork | Critical Review |
| Theatre | Video of Play | Review of Play |
| History | Diaries and Memoirs | Analysis of Nixon Years |
| Literature | Poem, Novel | Critique of poem, History of the novel |
| Political Science | Treaty | Article on Native American rights |
| Anthropology | Article on Native American rights | Comparison of two ethnographic studies |
| Market Research | Original data about product & market | Census bureau information & Nielsen ratings |
