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What is a Primary Source?

Primary sources are first-hand, authoritative accounts of an event, topic, or historical time period. They are typically produced at the time of the event by a person who experienced it, but can also be made later on in the form of personal memoirs or oral histories.

Anything that contains original information on a topic is considered a primary source. Usually, primary sources are the object discussed in your paper. For instance, if you are writing an analysis on Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, the book would be a primary source. But, just because a source is old does not mean it is a primary source.

Examples of Primary Sources:

Some examples of original, first-hand, authoritative accounts include:

Letters, diaries or journals (Personal thoughts)

Original photographs

First-hand newspaper reports

Speeches, autobiographies or memoirs

Creative works like plays, paintings and songs

Research data and surveys

What is a Secondary Source?

Secondary sources interpret or critique primary sources. They often include an analysis of the event that was discussed or featured in the primary source.

They are second-hand accounts that interpret or draw conclusions from one or more primary sources.

Some examples of works that interpret or critique primary sources include:

Textbooks

Essays or reviews

Articles that analyze or

discuss ideas and events

Criticisms or commentaries