Primary vs secondary sources: Questions new researchers ask most

In fields like history, political science, or anthropology, you often face a choice of sources of information: original, firsthand accounts of an event, topic, or phenomenon or interpretations, analyses, or summaries of such events, created by those who didn’t experience them firsthand. The former are termed “primary sources” and the latter are termed “secondary sources.” In this article, we’ll discuss the most common questions researchers have about these types of sources.  

What are common examples of primary sources? 

Some of the most commonly used primary sources are diaries and journals, photographs and videos, artifacts and physical objects, news media created at the time of the event), autographies and memoirs, and official documents such as land records, census records, civil registers, and treaties.  

Are primary sources better than secondary sources? 

Each type of source is not inherently better than the other. While primary sources provide original direct evidence and firsthand accounts, they are also subject to bias and time-related damage. Secondary sources can provide you greater context and understanding, because they synthesize multiple primary sources. So, you typically need to use a mix of primary and secondary sources in your research. 

Is it okay to have no primary sources at all in my research paper? 

In fields like history, political science, or art history, having no primary sources at all can weaken the credibility and originality of your research. However, if you’re creating a literature review, theoretical analysis, or meta-analysis, secondary sources may be more appropriate and sufficient. Primary sources are still important if you want to substantiate or counter other scholars’ arguments or provide a new interpretation or critique of any creative work.  

Do I cite primary and secondary sources differently? 

Typically, the way you format a citation or an entry in your reference list depends on the nature of the item (book, journal article, book chapter, film, painting, etc.). Follow the requirements of your target journal or style guide. From the title of the item, readers can usually tell if it is a primary or secondary source.  

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Note that in some fields, it’s customary to provide a list of additional reading. These mostly consist of secondary sources, which readers can refer to in order to deepen their understanding of topics you’ve covered only briefly in your own article or essay.