What is the difference between primary and secondary sources?

Introduction. Whether conducting research in the social sciences, humanities (especially history), arts, or natural sciences, the ability to distinguish between primary and secondary source material is essential. read more

Primary Sources are directly taken from an individual or group of individuals, while secondary sources take information from an individual or group and analyzes the topic. Remembering this information helps in deciding whether it is a primary or secondary source. read more

Another key difference between primary and secondary sources is that while primary sources provide direct account, secondary sources describe, interpret, analyze, summarize and evaluate the views offered by primary sources. Good examples of secondary sources include opinions offered in newspaper articles, movie or book reviews and biographies. read more

Secondary sources offer an analysis or a restatement of primary sources. They often attempt to describe or explain primary sources. Some secondary sources not only analyze primary sources, but also use them to argue a contention or persuade the reader to hold a certain opinion. read more