Module 1 Relevant Sources
Module 1 Relevant Sources
Module 1 Relevant Sources
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION:
This chapter introduces relevant sources in writing history. Since history deals
with the past, historians need historical sources as their important research tools in
analyzing this subject. Historical sources can be classified between primary and
secondary sources. The definition, distinction, and examples of primary and secondary
sources will be thoroughly discussed in this chapter. Both sources are useful in writing
and learning history. However, to avoid deception, historians and students need to
conduct internal and external criticism. Students need also to evaluate online resources
as they relied on the internet in finding information. With a given example of a relevant
source, students may evaluate and understand the importance of having an authentic
source.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES: In this lesson, learners will be able to:
a. explain the difference between primary and secondary sources;
b. evaluate historical data through internal and external criticism; and,
c. apply the tips for checking the reliability of online resources.
PRE-TEST:
EXPLANATION. Direction: Answer the following questions in the space provided.
1. When you search for important information related to history, what references did
you use? Give at least five examples and explain why.
2. Which of the examples that you give belongs to primary sources? secondary sources?
Why?
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3. Did you thoroughly scrutinize your sources if it is reliable before using it as your
references? Why?
4. What specific website did you use when you search online? Do you think it is a
credible source?
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
Activity 1: Video Viewing in YouTube about Primary and Secondary
Sources by Jessica Liu of Scribbr (2021). This is the link
Start https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPQ95B95bWE&t=109s
here! Questions to Ponder:
1. What is the video all about?
2. What are your learnings so far?
3. Why it is important to know these facts?
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Rubric
2pts Answer is incorrect but there is some correct support.
4pts Answer is correct but no support is provided.
6pts Answer is correct and there is some support.
8pts Answer is correct and the support is developed.
10pts Answer is correct and the support is fully developed.
Comparative analysis is writing an essay about two things that are being
compared and contrasted. It is the same idea in your other classes that you need
to compare and contrast two texts, two theories, two scientific processes, etc.
Since you are in college, it is expected to produce a higher level of analysis in
your writing. Just follow these guidelines and get started!
➢ Make your research. You need to make some research for you to have
an idea on how to start. However, since the topic was already discussed
by the teacher, you can already start writing your analysis.
➢ Think for possible similarities and differences. Since there are two
things that you need to compare and contrast, you need to make a list of
its similarities and differences as your guide in writing your analysis.
➢ Write your thesis. You need to write your arguments after knowing the
weight of similarities and differences between the two things that you
compared.
➢ Start writing your paper. There are two main approaches in organizing
your comparative analysis. These are the following:
✓ Alternating (point-by-point) method: You need to find similar
points between the two subjects and alternate writing about each
of them.
✓ Block (subject-by-subject) method: You will discuss all the first
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subjects that you chose and then discuss the second one.
➢ Always remember, cite your sources: You need to include the sources
in writing your comparative analysis to avoid copying someone’s idea.
the evaluative or
explanatory claim of
the thesis statements.
Organizatio The essay is well- Flow of ideas Ideas do not Sequence of
n (10 organized in either a could be more always flow in a ideas and
possible point-by-point or effectively logical manner; paragraphs
points) subject-by-subject sequenced; paragraphs often seems
structure, in addition most paragraphs do not have aimless and
to adhering to good have clear topic clear topic haphazard;
overall essay sentences that sentences, and no topic
structure (an are followed by evidence and sentences
introduction that evidence and analysis do not present;
begins broadly & analysis; always follow. evidence and
narrows down to the introduction and analysis
thesis; body conclusion are missing from
paragraphs generally well- paragraphs;
containing topic structured. introduction
sentences, evidence, and
& analysis; and a conclusion
conclusion that are
reiterates the thesis improperly
and ends broadly. structured.
Grammar & The essay is Essay is mostly Inconsistent No attempt
Style (10 appropriately formatted APA made to
possible formatted in APA properly in formatting; format in
points) style and is free of APA style; several APA; many
distracting spelling, there are only a prominent distracting
grammatical, or few errors, but errors in errors in
punctuation errors. It they are not spelling, spelling,
also uses precise very distracting. grammar, grammar,
vocabulary and punctuation. punctuation;
descriptive language informal or
throughout. inappropriate
language
used.
Total
Reference: https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/eng2150fall2020quintana/?page_id=951
historical truth. There are two ways on how to examine historical sources to
validate the authenticity of the sources that the historians and students have
collected to be used as the reference in the historical account that they are going
to publish. These are:
If the answer is YES to all the above questions, then more likely it is a
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primary source. On the next page are the characteristics of primary sources.
Reliability Origin
- How trustworthy is the - If you are unable to find
information found in the source? information that tells you
Primary sources are sometimes where it comes from then
created by individuals with
it is harder to determine if
prejudices, and in order to find out
if the picture painted is truthful, it is an authentic primary
other primary sources should be source.
used to validate the story.
Characteristics
of Primary
Sources
Validity
- Is this source really important Accuracy
to the research being undertaken,
- Are there any errors in the
does it add meaningful
primary source? Human
information? When determining
beings are imperfect creatures
validity pay attention to who is
and we make mistakes.
the creator of the source, and the
Therefore, as said in the
quality and relevancy of the
previous point, use other
information obtained.
primary sources to validate the
facts.
Reliability
Origin
Validity
Accuracy
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Activity 4: Who’s who? Recognize each picture and check the REAL one base
on its reliability and origin. Explain also your answer. The rubric is given as
your guide in giving the points.
Rubric
1pt Answer is incorrect but there is some correct support.
2pts Answer is correct but no support is provided.
3pts Answer is correct and there is some support.
4pts Answer is correct and the support is developed.
5pts Answer is correct and the support is fully developed.
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Authority
- Who is the author, is he or
Objectivity
Suitability she an expert in the field and - Prejudices and biased
- Read the introduction, go is well-known? Is the opinions will never be
through the table of contents a reputable excluded from secondary
publisher
and the index, to determine if that only sources. It is important to
company
the source has sufficient and detect these biases, and an
publishes works of high
relevant information. Also, introduction or preface will
academic quality?
the information in the work usually give an idea of the
should meet the required point of view of the writer.
academic standard. Therefore, use other
Characteristics secondary sources to get a
of Secondary balanced view.
Accuracy and Credibility Sources
- Two ways to determine if a
secondary source is accurate and
Currency
credible is to use other secondary - Although in history the older the
sources to validate the information and work the more valuable the
to check the list of references used by information it contains; it is
the author. The reference list can tell important that secondary sources
you the type of sources used and how contain information that reflects the
they can have verified, so if a most recent discoveries in the field.
secondary source does not have Therefore, pay attention to the date
references do not use it. of publication, and use the newer
edition.
Suitable
Current
Accurate
Credible
inferences
based on
sketchy or
missing
details.
Organization The Paper (and The Sentences The writing
organization paragraphs) organizational Within lacks a clear
enhances and are mostly structure is Paragraphs sense of
showcases organized, strong enough make sense, direction.
the central in order, to move the but the order Ideas, details,
idea or and make reader through of paragraphs or events
theme. The sense to the the text does not. seem strung
order, reader. without too together in a
structure of much loose or
information confusion. random
is compelling fashion; there
and moves is no
the reader identifiable
through the internal
text. structure.
Conventions The writer The write The writer The writer Errors in
demonstrates understands shows seems to have spelling,
a good grasp good reasonable made little punctuation,
of standard writing control over a effort to use capitalization,
writing conventions limited range conventions: usage, and
conventions and usually of standard spelling, grammar,
(e.g., uses them writing punctuation, and/or
spelling, correctly. conventions. capitalization, paragraphing
punctuation, Paper is Conventions usage, repeatedly
capitalization, easily read are sometimes grammar, distract the
grammar, and errors handled well and/or reader and
usage, are rare; and enhance paragraphing make the text
paragraphing) minor readability; at have multiple difficult to
and uses touch-ups other times, errors. read.
conventions would get errors are
effectively to this piece distracting and
enhance ready to impair
readability. publish. readability.
Presentation The form and The format The writer's The writer's The reader
presentation only has a message is message is receives a
of the text few understandable Only garbled
enhance the mistakes in this format. understandable message due
ability of the and is occasionally, to problems
reader to generally and the paper relating to the
understand easy to read is messily presentation
and connect and written. of the text
with the pleasing to and is not
message. It is the eye. typed.
pleasing to
the eye.
Total
Reference: https://www.uen.org/rubric/previewRubric.html?id=20123
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ONLINE RESOURCES
3.1 Tips for Checking the Reliability of Online Resources
Many relied on the internet when it comes to finding information related
to the one that they are searching for. However, there is a lot of information that
everyone could encounter and it is difficult for us to know what website or
articles we need to read and get ample sources. Nowadays, searching on the
internet is a convenient one, especially for students who will do some research.
Before they will solely rely on the internet’s information, they need to be sure
if it is a credible and reliable source. According to William Miller, “Much of
what purports to be serious information [on the Web] is simply a junk…” That
is why, anyone who has access to a computer and the Internet can put
information on the Web, therefore, online resources must carefully be evaluated
before being accepted. This is the reality for most students and as a teacher, it
is his/her task to let the students know about this. Just like the example below.
In Wikipedia, there are some entries that are reliable and some are not.
It is because the authors are anonymous and there is no other way to determine
their expertise, or the expertise of the Wikipedia’s editor who take a look for
the entry. However, Wikipedia editors will post warnings if they think that the
entry has weaknesses. In addition, Wikipedia entries tend to be conservative
rather than a newer research.
That is why, students need to know the tips for checking the reliability
of the online sources with these various questions. Below are the tips coming
from the Georgetown University Library.
Author
✓ Is the name of the author/creator on the page?
✓ Are his/her credentials listed (occupation, years of experience, position
or education)?
✓ Is the author qualified to write on the given topic? Why?
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Purpose
Knowing the motive behind the page’s creation can help you judge its
content.
✓ Who is the intended audience?
✓ Scholarly audience or experts?
✓ General public or novices?
✓ If not stated, what do you think is the purpose of the site? Is the
purpose to inform or teach? explain or enlighten? persuade? sell a
product?
Objectivity
✓ Is the information covered fact, opinion, or propaganda?
✓ Is the author’s point-of-view objective and impartial?
✓ Is the language free of emotion-rousing words and bias?
✓ Is the author affiliated with an organization?
✓ Does the author’s affiliation with an institution or
organization appear to bias the information?
✓ Does the content of the page have the official approval of the
institution, organization, or company?
Accuracy
✓ Are the sources for factual information clearly listed so that
the information can be verified?
✓ Is it clear who has the ultimate responsibility for the
accuracy of the content of the material?
✓ Can you verify any of the information in independent sources
or from your own knowledge?
✓ Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
✓ Is the information free of grammatical, spelling, or
typographical errors?
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Currency
✓ If timeliness of the information is important, is it kept up -to-
date?
✓ Is there an indication of when the site was last updated?
Links
✓ Are links related to the topic and useful to the purpose of the
site?
✓ Are links still current, or have they become dead e nds?
✓ What kind of sources are linked?
✓ Are the links evaluated or annotated in any way?
Note: The quality of Web pages linked to the original Web page
may vary; therefore, you must always evaluate each Web site
independently.
For the conclusion, be very critical of any information you find on the
Web and carefully examine each site.
Activity 6: Video Tutorial: In this activity, students will have a video tutorial
about the online application of the tips for checking the reliability of online
resources. This is a pair activity in which students are expected to create a
comprehensive discussion about finding reliable sources online. Pass your video
in the designated post created by the teacher that can be found in the google
classroom. A rubric is also provided as your guide in giving the points.
the audience’s
attention.
Originality The product The product Uses other Uses other
shows a large shows some people’s ideas people’s
amount of original (giving them ideas, but does
original thought. Work credit), but not give them
thought. Ideas shows new there is little credit.
are creative ideas and evidence of
and inventive. insights. original
thinking.
Workload The workload The workload The workload The workload
is divided and is divided and is divided, but is not divided
shared equally shared fairly one person in or several
by all team by all team the group is people in the
members. members, viewed as not group are
though doing his/her viewed as not
workloads may fair share of doing their
vary from the work. fair share of
person to the work.
person.
Total
Reference:
https://www.quia.com/files/quia/users/afiyathomas/4th_9_weeks_video_rubric.html
Activity 7: Detective YOUnan: Evaluate each picture if it is reliable or not based
on the discussion. Explain thoroughly and write your answers in the space
provided. A rubric is also provided as your guide in giving the points.
1. Site of the First Mass in the Philippines (From
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Mass_in_the_Philippines
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3. The Rizal Retraction and Other Cases by Peter Jaynul V. Uckung (From
https://nhcp.gov.ph/the-rizal-retraction-and-other-cases/
21
Rubric
1pt Answer is incorrect but there is some correct support.
2pts Answer is correct but no support is provided.
3pts Answer is correct and there is some support.
4pts Answer is correct and the support is developed.
5pts Answer is correct and the support is fully developed.
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SELF-EVALUATION:
I. MULTIPLE CHOICE (1point each)
Direction: Read and understand each question and encircle the letter of your
answer.
1. These are immediate, first-hand accounts of a topic, from people who had a direct
connection with it.
a. Tertiary sources b. Secondary sources
c. Primary sources d. Relevant sources
2. How documentary films become primary and secondary sources?
a. Depending upon the present state of knowledge within the field
b. Depending on how much the filmmaker modifies the original source
c. It depends on the objectivity of the person’s point of view
d. It depends on the subject of historical scrutiny
3. As a student, how do you know when it is a primary source?
a. It was created within the time period under study.
b. The author witnesses the event or participates in the event when it happened.
c. The information came from a reputable information unit.
d. All of the above
4. It is said that many primary sources contain inaccurate and biased information? Do
you think this is acceptable to be used as a source?
a. Yes, since it is still useful as they can provide insight into the thinking of that
time period.
b. Yes, since we cannot question the biases of the author in a certain event.
c. No, since flaws are flaws and it is not good to include it in any primary
source.
d. No, it would be better to find other primary sources.
5. Which of the following is not part of the characteristics of the primary sources?
a. Reliability b. Suitability c. Origin d. Validity
6. Why there is a need to know the background of the author in secondary sources?
a. The author should have a great position in society.
b. To know its information and relate it why he/she writes the sources
c. To know if he/she is an expert in the field and is well-known
d. To understand the biases of the author while reading his/her work
7. What is the main reason why Wikipedia is not a reliable source?
a. The authors are anonymous and there is no other way to determine their
expertise
b. The information is too good to be true.
c. There are no references cited in each article.
d. All of the above.
8. What kind of criticism is to be checked first? Is it external or internal criticism?
a. It is internal criticism since this is the higher criticism that should be given
proper emphasis.
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c. It is external criticism since this is easy to be done by looking into its physical
aspect.
d. It is external criticism since the historians/researchers need to determine first
if the document is authentic before looking into its reliability.
9. Why it is important to conduct internal and external criticism?
a. To predict future problems
b. To avoid the mistakes of the past
c. To understand the patterns of the past
d. To get life lessons in the past
10. Why do we need to criticize the sources?
a. Historians are meticulous when it comes to sources that is why they are
willing to criticize the sources.
b. It is important to know what sources will be classified as primary and
secondary sources.
c. It is everybody’s obligation to criticize the documents that they read since not
all sources are authentic and reliable.
d. There is a possibility that readers and viewers may draw incorrect conclusions
and faulty decisions if they based on flawed document since they have no
knowledge about source criticism
II. WHAT SOURCE? Read the following scenarios and classify the sources discovered
as primary or secondary sources. After that, explain your answer. Write your answer in
the space provided. A rubric is provided for the basis of giving the points.
1. Jose was exploring the library in his new school in Manila. He wanted to study the
history of Calamba, Laguna during the nineteenth century. In one of the books, he saw
an old photograph of a woman standing in front of an old church, clipped among the
pages. At the back of the photo was a fine inscription that says: “Kalamba, 19 de Junio
1861.” Is the photograph a primary or secondary source? Why?
.
2. It was Lean’s first day in his first year of college at a big university. His excitement
made him come to class unusually early and he found their classroom empty. He
explored the classroom and sat at the teacher’s table. He looked at the table drawer and
saw a book entitled U.G. An Underground Tale: The Journey of Edgar Jopson and the
First Quarter Storm Generation. He started reading the book and realized that it was a
biography of a student leader turned political activist during the time of Ferdinand
Marcos. The author used interviews with friends and family of Jopson, and other
primary documents related to his works and life. Is the book a primary or secondary
source? Why?
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.
3. Lorena was a new teacher of Araling Panlipunan in a small elementary school in
Mauban, Quezon. Her colleagues gave her the new textbook that she ought to use in
class. Before the class started, Lorena studied the textbook carefully. She noted that the
authors used works by other known historians in writing the textbook. She saw that the
bibliography included Teodoro Agoncillo’s “The Revolt of the Masses and the Fateful
Years: Japan’s Adventure in the Philippines, 1941-45.” She also saw that the authors
used Ma. Luisa Camagay’s Working Women of Manila During the 19th Century and
many others. Is the textbook a primary or secondary source? Why?
.
4. Manuel visited the United States for a few months to see his relatives who have lived
there for decades. His uncle brought him on tours around Illinois. Manuel visited the
Field Museum of Natural History where a golden image of a woman caught his eye.
Manuel looked closer and read that the image was called “The Golden Tara.” It
originated from Agusan del Sur and was bought by the museum in 1922. It was believed
to be made prior to the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines. Is the sculpture a
primary or secondary source? Why?
.
5. Gregoria loved to travel around the country. She liked bringing with her a travel
brochure that informs her of the different sites worth visiting in the area. Her travel
brochure was usually produced by the tourism department of the province. It shows
pictures of destinations visited by tourists and a few basic information about the place
like the origin of the name, the historical significance of the place, and some other
information acquired by the office’s researchers and writers. Is the travel brochure a
primary or secondary source? Why?
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Rubric
1pt Answer is incorrect but there is some correct support.
2pts Answer is correct but no support is provided.
3pts Answer is correct and there is some support.
4pts Answer is correct and the support is developed.
5pts Answer is correct and the support is fully developed.
REVIEW OF CONCEPTS:
In studying history, it is important to know the primary and secondary sources.
Primary sources provide direct or firsthand evidence about an event, an object, a person,
or a work of art. Secondary sources generally describe, discuss, interpret, comment
upon, analyze, evaluate, summarize, and process primary sources. In writing history, it
is important to validate the authenticity of the sources through internal and external
criticism. There are ways on how to know if it is primary and secondary sources base
on its characteristics. As people rely on the internet in searching for information,
students need also to know if the information that they get suits the tips of checking
reliable sources on the internet since evaluating the different sources is essential in any
scholarly engagement.
POST-TEST:
I. EXPLANATION. Direction: Answer the following questions in the space provided.
The rubric is provided for your reference.
1. Why there is a need to know if the source is a primary or a secondary?
.
2. What will you do when you search on the internet for a related source? Compare it
to your past experiences in finding information.
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.
Rubric
1pt Answer is incorrect but there is some correct support.
2pts Answer is correct but no support is provided.
3pts Answer is correct and there is some support.
4pts Answer is correct and the support is developed.
5pts Answer is correct and the support is fully developed.
REFERENCES:
Main References:
Books
Candelaria, J. L. P., Alporha, V. C. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Rex
Printing Company, Inc.
Martinez, R. M., Bumidang, J. G., Tayaban, D. B., Battung, J. T., Fragata, R. D.,
Viloria, M. I., Dulay, M. J., Cristobal, J. M. (2018). The Readings in
Philippine History. Mindshapers Co., Inc.
Solmerano, E., Palencia, M., & Galicia, R. (2019). Readings in Philippine History
(2nd ed.). Azes Publishing Corporation.
Webpage
Evaluating Internet Resources. (n.d.). Georgetown University Library. Retrieved
September 5, 2021, from
https://www.library.georgetown.edu/tutorials/research-guides/evaluating-
internet-content
Liu, J. [Scribbr]. (2021, February 16). Primary vs. Secondary Sources: The
Differences Explained | Scribbr [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPQ95B95bWE&t=109s
https://library.defiance.edu/c.php?g=334227&p=2243654
Supplemental References
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