Secondary source: Difference between revisions
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'''Secondary sources''' |
'''Secondary sources''' is a text written by someone who was not present at an event. For example, a book by a historian written long after. The best secondary sources are based on [[primary source|primary]] and the best secondary sources, and involve generalization, analysis, synthesis, interpretation, or evaluation. Popular writing does not pretend to be authoritative and is usally based on a reading of secondary sources or encyclopedias. |
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In the study of [[history]], secondary sources are materials not penned or produced contemporaneously with the events in question. |
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A primary source is a form of information that can be regarded as an artifact of its time. A secondary source is often a commentary or analysis of a primary source. For examples, the [[diary]] of General [[Ulysses S. Grant]] is a primary source, because it was penned in its time and can be taken as a raw, original source of information (which does not say anything about its veracity or completeness). A book which writes about Grant, and uses Grant's diary, would generally be a secondary source. In [[historiography]], however, even this book could be a primary source: if another author was writing on the many histories written about Grant, they may be using what were originally conceived of as secondary sources as artifacts themselves. |
A primary source is a form of information that can be regarded as an artifact of its time. A secondary source is often a commentary or analysis of a primary source. For examples, the [[diary]] of General [[Ulysses S. Grant]] is a primary source, because it was penned in its time and can be taken as a raw, original source of information (which does not say anything about its veracity or completeness). A book which writes about Grant, and uses Grant's diary, would generally be a secondary source. In [[historiography]], however, even this book could be a primary source: if another author was writing on the many histories written about Grant, they may be using what were originally conceived of as secondary sources as artifacts themselves. |
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==Secondary sources in law== |
==Secondary sources in law== |
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Secondary sources are often used in [[common law]], to allow judges to determine what is actually meant by the language of a particular [[statute]]. See [[legislative intent]]. |
Secondary sources are often used in [[common law]], to allow judges to determine what is actually meant by the language of a particular [[statute]]. See [[legislative intent]]. |
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==References== |
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* Jules R. Benjamin. ''A Student's Guide to History'' (2003) |
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* Wood Gray, ''Historian's handbook, a key to the study and writing of history'' (Houghton Mifflin, 1964). |
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* Martha C. Howell and Walter Prevenier. ''From Reliable Sources: An Introduction to Historical Methods'' (2001) |
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* Richard A. Marius and Melvin E. Page. ''A Short Guide to Writing About History''(5th Edition) (2004) |
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*[[http://www.ithaca.edu/library/course/primary.html Primary and secondary sources]] |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[Tertiary source]] |
*[[Tertiary source]] |
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*'''[[:s:|Wikisource]]''' – ''The Free Library'' – is the [[Wikimedia]] project that collects, edits, and catalogues [[Source text|source texts]]. |
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[[Category:Historiography]] [[Category:Library and information science]] |
[[Category:Historiography]] [[Category:Library and information science]] |
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Revision as of 22:45, 11 April 2006
Secondary sources is a text written by someone who was not present at an event. For example, a book by a historian written long after. The best secondary sources are based on primary and the best secondary sources, and involve generalization, analysis, synthesis, interpretation, or evaluation. Popular writing does not pretend to be authoritative and is usally based on a reading of secondary sources or encyclopedias.
A primary source is a form of information that can be regarded as an artifact of its time. A secondary source is often a commentary or analysis of a primary source. For examples, the diary of General Ulysses S. Grant is a primary source, because it was penned in its time and can be taken as a raw, original source of information (which does not say anything about its veracity or completeness). A book which writes about Grant, and uses Grant's diary, would generally be a secondary source. In historiography, however, even this book could be a primary source: if another author was writing on the many histories written about Grant, they may be using what were originally conceived of as secondary sources as artifacts themselves.
A primary source is not, by default, more authoritative or accurate than a secondary source. Secondary sources often are subjected to peer review, are well documented, and are often produced through institutions where methodological accuracy is important to the future of the author's career and reputation. A primary source like a journal entry, at best, only reflects one person's take on events, which may or may not be truthful, accurate, or complete. Historians subject both primary and secondary sources to a high level of scrutiny.
As a general rule, however, modern historians prefer to go back to primary sources, if available, as well as seeking new ones. Primary sources, whether accurate or not, offer new input into historical questions and most modern history revolves around heavy use of archives for the purpose of finding useful primary sources. A work on history is not likely to be taken seriously if it only cites secondary sources, as it does not indicate that original research has been done.
Secondary sources in law
Secondary sources are often used in common law, to allow judges to determine what is actually meant by the language of a particular statute. See legislative intent.
References
- Jules R. Benjamin. A Student's Guide to History (2003)
- Wood Gray, Historian's handbook, a key to the study and writing of history (Houghton Mifflin, 1964).
- Martha C. Howell and Walter Prevenier. From Reliable Sources: An Introduction to Historical Methods (2001)
- Richard A. Marius and Melvin E. Page. A Short Guide to Writing About History(5th Edition) (2004)