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Module 2. Lesson Proper

The document discusses primary and secondary sources in history, defining primary sources as firsthand accounts created during the time of the event and secondary sources as analyses based on primary sources. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and purpose behind historical sources, as well as the need for careful analysis using criteria like credibility, accuracy, reasonableness, and support. Additionally, it outlines ways to access primary sources, including traditional and digital methods, and highlights repositories in the Philippines that store historical documents.

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18 views3 pages

Module 2. Lesson Proper

The document discusses primary and secondary sources in history, defining primary sources as firsthand accounts created during the time of the event and secondary sources as analyses based on primary sources. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and purpose behind historical sources, as well as the need for careful analysis using criteria like credibility, accuracy, reasonableness, and support. Additionally, it outlines ways to access primary sources, including traditional and digital methods, and highlights repositories in the Philippines that store historical documents.

Uploaded by

mariachristineorizal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Readings in Philippine History Page 1 of 7

Primary and Secondary Sources

Topic: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES

III. LESSON PROPER

Sources of History
Historical facts or sources are materials which have a direct bearing or can be any assistance in
constructing the history of a particular period. They exist either as relics or as testimonies.
According to Howell and Prevenier (2001), both relics and testimonies were produced for specific
reasons tied to their time period. Relics, or physical remains, offer historians insights into the past simply
because they exist. Originally used for everyday purposes, they were later valued as historical artifacts.
Testimonies, on the other hand, are verbal or written accounts of events. They were created to verify
actions, establish rights, or inform others about facts. While some testimonies were intentionally recorded,
others were produced for different reasons altogether.
Unintentional sources were created without historians in mind, but they still provide valuable
information. Similarly, while intentional sources have a clear purpose, their meaning can change over
time and be influenced by factors beyond the author's control.
Historians should carefully examine the circumstances surrounding the creation of a source,
including the author's purpose. However, understanding these factors doesn't automatically mean the
source is reliable. It's also crucial to consider the historical events that occurred before and after the event
described (context) in the source, as these events can significantly impact the event's meaning.

Primary Sources
Primary sources are those sources produced at the same time as the event, period, or subject
being studied; these are created by eyewitness who recorded the event or their reactions to it.
Kinds of Primary Sources:
○Letters, diaries, journals
○Business records (correspondence, ledgers, minutes, speeches, invoice)
○Poems, songs, hymns
○Photographs, paintings, films, advertisements, and other artwork
○Tools, machine, furniture, clothing, and other artifacts from a particular era
○Government records (court proceedings, treaties, and trade agreements)
○Newspapers and magazines of the period
○Oral history interviews and genealogical information
○Memorabilia (buttons, banners, flyers)
○Other objects (gravestones)

Secondary Source
Readings in Philippine History Page 2 of 7
Primary and Secondary Sources
Secondary Sources are those sources which were produced by an author who used primary
sources to produce the material; these are historical sources which studied a certain historical subject.
Kinds of Secondary Sources:
○Published Textbooks
○Scholarly Journals
○Articles in Newspapers
○Popular Magazines
○Movie Reviews

Why use Primary source or Secondary Source?


Primary Source allows one to interpret the information instead of relying on the interpretations of
others. Given that primary sources reflect the true meanings and ideas introduced by authors, the
information itself may not be completely objective, well-reasoned, or accurate.
Secondary sources are best for uncovering the background or historical information about a topic
and broadening understanding of a subject by exposing the readers to others' perspectives, interpretations,
and conclusions.

Accessibility of Primary Sources


Hall (2014) enumerated two ways of accessing the primary source.
1. “Dusty” or Traditional Access
Libraries have traditionally included in their collections such materials as historical documents,
historical atlases, collections of letters, books with photographs, and others; they also have volumes of
popular older magazines micro-form versions of other newspaper and periodical articles accessible through
indexes.
Another way of accessing primary source materials is to visit an archive, museum, historical site,
historical society, and battleground monument.
2. “Digital” or Electronic Access
Internet users can navigate virtual libraries, virtual natural history museums, virtual exhibits, online
bookstores, and sites which will sell everything. There are also genealogical records, patent and census
records, magazines that exists only in digital format, documents of all kinds, Supreme Court hearings,
photographs, videos, audio, and others.

Analysis of Primary Sources


Harris (2017) provided the CARS Checklist which is set of criteria to analyze the information
presented in source, either primary or secondary.
1. Credibility means something can be trusted or believed. Information should be checked and
approved before it's shared.
○Is there sufficient evidence presented to make the argument persuasive?
○Are there compelling arguments and reasons given?
○Are there enough details for a reasonable conclusion about the information?
2. Accuracy means being correct. Students should pay attention to details like dates and avoid
Readings in Philippine History Page 3 of 7
Primary and Secondary Sources
believing information that is too general or only presents one side of a story.
○No date on the document
○Assertions that are vague or otherwise lacking details
○Sweeping rather than qualified language like that is, the use of always, never, every
3. Reasonableness means being fair, unbiased, and consistent. Researchers should try to use
their
existing knowledge to judge new information, even if it's difficult.
○Intemperate tone or language
○Over claims
○Sweeping statements of excessive significance
4. Support means double-checking information. Don't just believe what you read or hear; compare
it to other sources.
○Where did this information come from?
○Are the sources listed?
○Is there a bibliography or other documentation?

Interpretation of Primary Sources


Using original sources, students touch the lives of the people about whom history is written; they
participate in human emotions and in the values and attitudes of the past.
Interpreting historical sources helps students to analyze and evaluate contemporary sources. By
using primary sources, students learn to recognize how a point of view and a bias affect evidence, what
contradictions and other limitations exists within a given source, and to what extent sources are reliable.
Lastly, the usage of primary source gives way for students to participate in the process of history
through debate, which is an opportunity for students to test and apply important analytical skills.

Repositories of Primary Sources


Repositories are places of depository containing historical records and documents.
1. The National Archives is a storage place for about 60 million historical documents from the
Philippines' time under foreign control. It also keeps all the official legal papers of the country.
2. The National Museum is a place that collects, studies, protects, and shows important objects
like art, historical items, and scientific samples. It also teaches people about these things.
3. The National Library is the keeper of the country's important books, documents, and other
intellectual materials.

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