What is the difference between primary sources and secondary sources?
Answer
Primary sources are original written or physical items created in the time period being studied. In the sciences, primary resources are original research studies usually found in published articles that include hypotheses, experiments, analyses, data, and a conclusion. In the arts & humanities, primary sources include diaries, letters, and original artwork.
Secondary sources are books or articles that interpret or analyze a primary source. Examples of secondary sources are critical essays, encyclopedia articles, histories, textbooks, and reviews.
For more information on primary sources, visit the Primary Sources Research Guide.
