Source Type
When doing research, it is important to be aware of what type of source you may need to help answer your research question. Some sources contain facts and figures while others may contain firsthand accounts of significant events. There are three main types of research sources: primary, secondary, and tertiary sources. Having an understanding of the different types of sources will assist you in asking for the resources you need to answer your research question.
Primary Sources
Definition
- A first-person account by a person who experienced or witnessed an event and is often created at the time of the event.
Examples
- Historical and Legal Documents
- Interviews
- Speeches
- Diaries
- Newspaper Articles
- Original Artwork
- Letters
- Original Scientific Studies
Secondary Sources
Definition
- Source that is one step removed from the primary source, often a summary, reexamination, interpretation, or analysis of a primary document.
Examples
- Biographies
- Journal Articles
- Commentaries
- Editorials
- Book Reviews
- Reports Using Multiple Studies
- Dissertations
Tertiary Sources
Definition
- Fully removed from the primary source and it points to a secondary source rather than a primary source.
Examples
- Bibliography
- Index
- Catalog
- Encyclopedia
- Abstracts