4.1 Primary and Secondary Source Research
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Documentaries rely on solid research to tell compelling stories. Primary sources like eyewitness accounts and historical records provide direct evidence, while secondary sources offer analysis and context. Understanding these source types is crucial for documentary filmmakers.
Research methods like archival digging and help gather diverse perspectives. By accessing historical records and interacting directly with subjects, filmmakers can uncover unique insights and build a rich foundation for their documentaries.
Types of Sources
First-Hand Accounts and Historical Records
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Letters from the front View original
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Diary of Gallipoli: entry for 25th April 1915. Diary of 49… | Flickr View original
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Letters from the front View original
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Diary of 494 Sergeant Joseph Cecil Thompson, Gallipoli 191… | Flickr View original
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Top images from around the web for First-Hand Accounts and Historical Records
Letters from the front View original
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Diary of 494 Sergeant Joseph Cecil Thompson, Gallipoli 191… | Flickr View original
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Diary of Gallipoli: entry for 25th April 1915. Diary of 49… | Flickr View original
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Letters from the front View original
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Diary of 494 Sergeant Joseph Cecil Thompson, Gallipoli 191… | Flickr View original
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- Primary sources provide direct or first-hand evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art
- Created during the time period being studied by people who experienced the events or conditions being documented (letters, diaries, speeches, photographs)
- Eyewitness accounts offer unique perspectives and insights into events as they unfolded
- Can be found in oral histories, interviews, and memoirs (a soldier's diary from World War II)
- Historical documents are created during the time period under study that provide evidence of historical events, practices, or conditions
- Include government records, legal contracts, treaties, and maps (the Declaration of Independence)
Scholarly and Journalistic Publications
- Secondary sources interpret, analyze, or synthesize primary sources
- Often published books or articles by scholars in academic journals that provide , critical analysis, and interpretation of primary sources (a book about the American Revolution that cites letters and diaries from the period)
- Academic journals contain scholarly research articles that have undergone peer review by experts in the field
- Provide in-depth analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of primary sources and historical events (The Journal of American History)
- Books can be either primary or secondary sources depending on their content and purpose
- Scholarly books written by historians are secondary sources that provide detailed analysis and interpretation of historical events and primary sources (a biography of George Washington)
- Newspapers are periodical publications that report on current events, issues, and trends
- Contemporary newspaper articles can serve as primary sources for understanding public opinion, cultural attitudes, and significant events of a particular time period (New York Times articles from September 12, 2001)
Research Methods
Accessing Historical Records and Archives
- involves examining and analyzing original documents, records, and artifacts preserved in archives, libraries, and museums
- Provides access to rare or unique primary sources not available elsewhere (researching Civil War documents at the National Archives)
- Online databases aggregate and provide access to digitized primary and secondary sources from multiple institutions
- Enable researchers to search for and access relevant materials remotely (using JSTOR to find scholarly articles on a particular topic)
Gathering Data through Direct Interaction and Observation
- Interviews involve conducting structured or unstructured conversations with individuals who have firsthand knowledge or experience of the topic being researched
- Provide valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and perspectives that may not be available in written sources (interviewing a Holocaust survivor for an project)
- Field research involves collecting data through direct observation, participation, or interaction with the people, places, or events being studied
- Allows researchers to gather primary data and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter (attending a political rally to observe and document the event)
Key Terms to Review (16)
APA Citation: APA citation is a standardized method of documenting sources used in research, developed by the American Psychological Association. This format emphasizes clarity and consistency, making it easier for readers to locate and verify the sources you referenced. It is widely used in the social sciences, psychology, education, and other fields, ensuring proper attribution to original ideas while avoiding plagiarism.
Archival research: Archival research involves the systematic examination of primary and secondary sources stored in archives or collections to uncover historical information, evidence, and context. This method is crucial for researchers as it provides access to unique documents, records, and artifacts that are not readily available elsewhere, enabling them to construct narratives and understand events in depth.
Authenticity: Authenticity refers to the quality of being genuine, real, and true to the subject being portrayed. In the context of documentary filmmaking, authenticity is crucial as it shapes the viewer's perception and understanding of the narrative, influencing how stories are told and the ethical implications of those narratives. Maintaining authenticity can be challenging, especially when balancing storytelling techniques with factual representation.
Biographies: Biographies are detailed accounts of a person's life, capturing their experiences, achievements, and influences. They serve to provide insight into an individual's character, motivations, and the historical context in which they lived. By examining personal narratives, biographies help us understand how individuals shape and are shaped by their circumstances.
Content analysis: Content analysis is a research method used to systematically evaluate the content of communication, such as documents, images, or media. This technique allows researchers to quantify and analyze the presence of certain words, themes, or concepts, helping to uncover patterns and insights within the material being studied. It plays a crucial role in understanding media messages, evaluating historical documents, and guiding the selection of archival footage for projects.
Cultural context: Cultural context refers to the social, historical, and environmental factors that shape the beliefs, behaviors, and interpretations of individuals and groups within a specific culture. Understanding cultural context is crucial for analyzing how different audiences perceive and interpret messages, as it influences their understanding and reception of information, particularly in various forms of communication such as literature, art, and documentaries.
Historical context: Historical context refers to the circumstances and conditions that surround a particular event, era, or work, providing insight into its significance and meaning. Understanding historical context is crucial for interpreting how past events influence present narratives, particularly in media forms like documentaries, where the selection and integration of archival footage, the characteristics of expository documentaries, and the use of primary and secondary sources come into play.
Interviews: Interviews are structured conversations where one person asks questions and another provides answers, often used in documentaries to gather personal insights, opinions, and experiences. They serve as a critical tool for filmmakers to provide depth, authenticity, and varied perspectives, connecting the emotional and human aspects of the story being told.
Literature Reviews: A literature review is a comprehensive survey of existing research and publications on a specific topic, evaluating and synthesizing the findings of various sources to establish a foundation for further study. This process not only highlights gaps in the existing research but also provides context for new research questions and methodologies, making it an essential part of academic work.
Mla format: MLA format is a style guide created by the Modern Language Association for writing and documenting scholarly work in the humanities. It provides a set of rules for formatting papers, citing sources, and structuring works cited pages, making it essential for ensuring clarity and consistency in academic writing.
Oral history: Oral history is a method of gathering, preserving, and interpreting the voices and memories of people, communities, and participants in past events through recorded interviews. This technique allows individuals to share their personal experiences and perspectives, providing valuable insight that complements traditional written records. It plays a crucial role in documenting diverse histories that might otherwise be overlooked or forgotten.
Original documents: Original documents are firsthand accounts or evidence created at the time of an event, which serve as primary sources in research. They include materials like letters, photographs, diaries, official records, and artifacts that provide direct insight into the subject being studied. These documents are crucial for establishing a reliable narrative and understanding historical context.
Primary source: A primary source is an original document or firsthand account that provides direct evidence about a subject or event. These sources include artifacts, interviews, diaries, photographs, and official documents, allowing researchers to gain insights from the time period being studied. They are critical for understanding the context and authenticity of historical narratives.
Secondary source: A secondary source is a document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere, often providing analysis, interpretation, or commentary on primary sources. These sources are typically created after the event or period in question and can include books, articles, documentaries, and reviews. They are valuable for understanding the context and implications of primary data.
Source credibility: Source credibility refers to the trustworthiness and reliability of a source providing information or data. It plays a crucial role in determining the value of the information presented, influencing how audiences perceive and interpret the content. Assessing source credibility involves examining various factors, including the author's expertise, the publication's reputation, and the presence of supporting evidence, all of which are essential in verifying facts and conducting thorough research.
Source triangulation: Source triangulation is a research method used to enhance the credibility and reliability of findings by cross-verifying data from multiple sources. This approach allows researchers to gather information from various perspectives, increasing the depth and context of their analysis, while also minimizing bias and errors that may arise from relying on a single source.