How do you tell if the source is primary or secondary?

A primary source gives you direct access to the subject of your research. Secondary sources provide second-hand information and commentary from other researchers. Examples include journal articles, reviews, and academic books. A secondary source describes, interprets, or synthesizes primary sources.

How do I know if my source is primary?

Published materials can be viewed as primary resources if they come from the time period that is being discussed, and were written or produced by someone with firsthand experience of the event. Often primary sources reflect the individual viewpoint of a participant or observer.

How do you determine a secondary source?

Secondary sources were created by someone who did not experience first-hand or participate in the events or conditions you’re researching. For a historical research project, secondary sources are generally scholarly books and articles. A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources.

How do you identify primary research?

How to Identify Primary Research Articles

1. Almost always published in a peer-reviewed journal.
2. Asks a research question or states a hypothesis or hypotheses.
3. Identifies a research population.
4. Describes a specific research method.
5. Tests or measures something.

How do you know if something is primary literature?

Primary Research Literature

1. The authors are identified.
2. The authors’ affiliations are identified. These are usually universities or scientific institutions.
3. The authors explain how they did their research.
4. The authors report their findings.
5. The authors identify the references they used as background for their research.

What is an example of a primary source that you have used or you have created?

Primary sources are original materials, regardless of format. Letters, diaries, minutes, photographs, artifacts, interviews, and sound or video recordings are examples of primary sources created as a time or event is occurring.