Secondary Source

Definition

A secondary source is a document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere, often analyzing, interpreting, or summarizing primary sources. These sources are crucial for providing context and background information, making them valuable in research, building relationships with sources, assessing credibility, and formatting articles for newspapers and magazines.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary sources can include books, articles, documentaries, and reviews that analyze or discuss primary sources.
2. They help journalists and researchers understand broader trends and viewpoints by providing analysis or summaries of original materials.
3. When developing sources, secondary sources can serve as a bridge to find primary sources or additional contacts who have expertise on the topic.
4. Evaluating secondary sources involves considering the author's credentials, the publication's reputation, and the context in which the information was created.
5. In newspaper and magazine articles, secondary sources are often used to support claims, provide background information, and add depth to reporting.

Review Questions

• How do secondary sources enhance the understanding of a topic when conducting research?
  • Secondary sources enrich research by offering analysis, interpretation, and summaries of primary sources. They provide context and background information that helps to frame the understanding of a topic. By referencing secondary sources, researchers can identify trends, viewpoints, and debates surrounding an issue that may not be evident from primary sources alone.
• Discuss the importance of evaluating the credibility of secondary sources in journalism.
  • Evaluating the credibility of secondary sources is vital in journalism because it ensures that the information presented is accurate and reliable. Journalists must consider factors such as the author's qualifications, the publication's reputation, and whether the source has been peer-reviewed. This assessment helps prevent misinformation and bolsters the integrity of the article being written.
• Analyze how the effective use of secondary sources can impact the overall quality of newspaper and magazine articles.
  • Effective use of secondary sources significantly enhances the quality of newspaper and magazine articles by providing depth and context. When journalists incorporate well-researched secondary sources, they not only support their claims but also present a more comprehensive view of the subject. This leads to more informed readers and can establish trust in the publication's reporting by demonstrating thorough investigation and critical analysis of existing literature.

Related terms

Primary Source: A primary source is an original document or firsthand account of an event, such as interviews, diaries, or original research data.

Source Attribution: The practice of crediting the original creator of the information used in writing, which enhances transparency and credibility.

Citation: A reference to a source of information that provides the details needed for readers to locate the original material.