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Understanding 20primary 20and 20secondary 20sources

The document explains the distinction between primary and secondary sources, emphasizing their roles in research. Primary sources provide direct, unfiltered information, while secondary sources interpret or analyze primary data. Understanding these types of sources is essential for conducting reliable research and developing strong arguments.

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Oussama Koriche
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3 views2 pages

Understanding 20primary 20and 20secondary 20sources

The document explains the distinction between primary and secondary sources, emphasizing their roles in research. Primary sources provide direct, unfiltered information, while secondary sources interpret or analyze primary data. Understanding these types of sources is essential for conducting reliable research and developing strong arguments.

Uploaded by

Oussama Koriche
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Understanding primary and secondary sources

What is a source?
A source is the reference from where you get information that can be credible or not
reliable or not. Also, it provides information that supports or provides evidence for a claim
or argument.

** Sources are classified into two main categories: primary and secondary. Each type has
its use and provides different levels of information and access.

** Understanding the types of sources is crucial for conducting thorough research and
developing strong arguments, both of which are essential for creating well-developed
projects.

Primary Sources
They are direct or first-hand accounts of original events, experiences, or data. It
gives direct access to your research. These sources provide raw, unfiltered information
directly from the source books, novels, articles, or websites.
By relying on these sources, you can ensure that the information you get is accurate, reliable,
and comprehensive.

**Here are some examples of primary sources:


1. Personal documents: Diaries, letters, memories, and autobiographies
2. Official records: Government documents, legal records, and court transcripts
3. Creative works: Novels, poems, plays, and musical compositions
4. Visual and audio materials: Photographs, videos, audio recordings, and paintings
5. Artifices: Tools, weapons, clothing, and furniture

Secondary Sources
Secondary sources are materials that interpret, analyze, or summarize information
from primary sources. They help explain or contextualize original data, events, or research
by relying on existing information to provide explanations, critiques, or evaluations of
original works or events. These sources are created by researchers or scholars who were not
directly involved in the events or data collection; instead, they use primary sources as
references to build their arguments or provide context.

**Here are some examples of secondary sources:


1. Books and Textbooks: Summarizing historical events, scientific discoveries, or
literary works.
2. Biographies: Written accounts of a person's life based on various sources.
3. Journal Articles and Reviews Analyzing and discussing original research.
4. Documentaries: Explaining historical events with collected evidence.

Why is understanding primary and secondary sources important?


 Helps in distinguishing reliable sources.
 Improves critical thinking in academic work.
 Supports strong arguments in essays and research.

** To verify the reliability of the source of information, we must apply the CRAAP
test. Using the CRAAP test can help you critically evaluate sources and select the most
reliable ones for your research.
It stands for:

Currency The time of the publication of the source (Are the links
functional and updated?)

Relevance How the information fits your needs (Does the information relate
to your topic or answer your question?)

Authority The source of the information and its credibility (Who is the
author/publisher/source. )- (What are the author's qualifications )

Accuracy The correctness of the information (Is the information supported


by evidence ).

Purpose The reason of this information exists (to inform, teach, sell,
entertain, or persuade? ) Is the information fact, opinion,.. )

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