Primary and Secondary Source

Research requires putting together evidence and information from a variety of sources. Citing sources
shows readers how a writer has researched and formed conclusions. Sources provide historical
context and allow scholars to extend credit to other researchers’ and ideas.
In academic research, whether it’s in the social sciences, humanities, or natural sciences, it’s
important to distinguish between the types of sources used. From creating a convincing argument
that informs the reader that an author is reporting firsthand impressions, to relaying the experiences
and opinions of others, both primary and secondary sources are essential to creating novel,
interesting, and effective academic research and writing.
Primary Source

A primary source is anything that gives you raw information and direct or firsthand evidence about the
people, events, or phenomena that you are researching. Example of primary sources includes
Poems, Novels, Plays, interview transcripts, memoirs, diaries, autobiographies, statistical data, works
of art, letters, personal journals, speeches, manuscripts, direct interviews, and other unpublished
works. Primary sources will typically serve as the main objects of an analysis or research work.
In cases of research related to historical events, an author may not be able to access direct evidence
because the people associated with the event may no longer be alive, but sources produced by
witnesses at that time may be used.
Secondary Source

A secondary source is anything that describes, interprets, evaluates, or analyzes information from
primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event and may contain
pictures, quotes, or graphics of primary sources.
Textbooks, edited works, books, and articles that interpret or review research works, histories,
biographies, literary criticism and interpretation, reviews of law and legislation, political analyses, and
commentaries are all examples of secondary sources.

Most research uses both primary and secondary sources. They complement each other to help you
build a convincing argument. Primary sources are more credible as evidence, but secondary sources
show how your work relates to existing research.
Primary sources are the foundation of original research. They allow you to:

 Make new discoveries

If you don’t use any primary sources, your research may be considered unoriginal or unreliable.
Secondary sources are good for gaining a full overview of your topic and understanding how other
researchers have approached it. They often synthesize a large number of primary sources that would
be difficult and time-consuming to gather by yourself. They allow you to:

 Gain background information on the topic

Differences Between a Primary and Secondary Source

Information
The information gathered using primary sources offers direct, first-hand information, while secondary
sources relay other peoples’ interpretation of the event. Information based on primary source material
gives readers direct access to the subject of the research, while secondary sources provide
commentary from other researchers.
Objectivity
On occasion, primary sources can be both subjective and personal because an individual’s firsthand
account is based on the views and opinions formed from the experience.
Secondary sources are typically objective and gives the reader the opportunity to evaluate a source
by purpose and objectivity by asking questions such as if the information provided is biased, or
whether the purpose of the research is to inform, teach, sell, entertain, provide public services, or
persuade.
Function
As a firsthand or contemporary account of an event or topic, a primary source has not been modified
by interpretation and offers an original thought or new information. Primary sources function as the
main object of analysis in a research study, whereas secondary resources are used to describe,
interpret, generalize, or synthesize primary sources. Secondary sources help readers understand
second-hand information and commentary and can detail how and why a historical event occurred.
How can we annotate bibliography of primary and secondary resources

Annotating a bibliography of primary and secondary resources involves adding descriptive or critical
notes to each citation to explain their relevance and significance. Here's how you can do it:
Choose the Citation Style: Decide on a citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and format your
bibliography accordingly. Make sure your citations are accurate and complete.

Create Annotations:
For Primary Sources: When annotating primary sources, describe the content, context, and
significance. Explain how it relates to your research. Include details about the author, date, and the
source's origin.
For Secondary Sources: Annotate secondary sources by summarizing the main arguments,
methodology, and conclusions. Assess the source's quality, objectivity, and its relevance to your
research.
Follow a Standard Format:
Begin each annotation with a citation of the source in the chosen style.
Write a concise summary (typically 2-4 sentences) for each source. Mention the main points and
findings.
Discuss the source's strengths and limitations. Is it biased or objective? Does it provide new insights
or a fresh perspective on the topic?
Explain Relevance:
Explain how each source contributes to your research. Does it support, challenge, or extend your
thesis or research question?
Organize Your Annotations:
Arrange the annotated bibliography in alphabetical order based on the author's last name or by the
source title if there's no author.
Use Clear Language: Write in clear and concise language. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms.
Be Critical and Analytical: Offer your own analysis and evaluation of the sources. Assess the source's
credibility, methodology, and potential bias.
Maintain Consistency: Ensure a consistent format for all annotations in terms of length, style, and
depth of analysis.
Proofread: Review your annotations for grammar, spelling, and coherence.
Cite Your Annotations: If you're using information from the source in your annotations, make sure to
cite it appropriately within the annotation.