Secondary source

Definition

A secondary source is a document or recording that discusses or analyzes information originally presented in primary sources. These sources interpret, critique, or summarize primary materials, providing context and additional insights that enhance understanding of the subject matter.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary sources are essential for understanding the broader context surrounding an event, as they often provide analysis based on multiple primary sources.
2. Common examples of secondary sources include biographies, journal articles that analyze original research, and historical commentaries.
3. In narrative journalism, secondary sources can enrich storytelling by offering expert opinions or interpretations of events, thus adding depth to the narrative.
4. Secondary sources can also include reviews of works like movies, books, or art, where the reviewer discusses the impact and meaning of the original work.
5. When conducting research, it's important to evaluate the credibility and perspective of secondary sources to ensure they accurately represent the primary materials.

Review Questions

• How do secondary sources enhance our understanding of historical events compared to primary sources?
  • Secondary sources enhance our understanding of historical events by providing analysis and interpretation based on multiple primary sources. While primary sources offer direct evidence and firsthand accounts, secondary sources synthesize this information to present broader themes, trends, and contexts. This helps researchers and readers grasp the significance of events beyond just the raw data presented in primary documents.
• Evaluate the importance of using both primary and secondary sources in narrative journalism. What benefits does each type bring to storytelling?
  • Using both primary and secondary sources in narrative journalism is crucial for creating rich and informative stories. Primary sources provide direct insights from individuals involved in events, lending authenticity and immediacy to the narrative. In contrast, secondary sources offer analysis and contextual understanding that can help journalists connect the dots for their audience. Together, they create a more comprehensive view of a story, engaging readers on multiple levels.
• Analyze how the choice of secondary sources impacts the narrative constructed in journalistic writing. What are the potential consequences of relying on less credible secondary materials?
  • The choice of secondary sources significantly impacts the narrative constructed in journalistic writing because these sources shape how events are interpreted and presented. If a journalist relies on less credible or biased secondary materials, it can lead to a skewed or incomplete understanding of the topic at hand. This misrepresentation not only affects the integrity of the story but can also misinform readers, potentially leading to public misconceptions about important issues.

Related terms

primary source: A primary source is an original document or firsthand account that provides direct evidence about a topic, such as letters, photographs, interviews, or original research data.

tertiary source: A tertiary source compiles and summarizes information from primary and secondary sources, often presenting facts in a digestible format, such as encyclopedias or textbooks.

literature review: A literature review is a comprehensive survey of existing scholarly research and secondary sources on a particular topic, summarizing the findings and identifying gaps in knowledge.