Sources of information are often considered primary, secondary, or

tertiary depending on their originality and proximity of when it was created. 

Consider if it is an original work, or whether it evaluates or comments on the
works of others.  Also consider the proximity, or how close the information is
to a first-hand account or if it is after the fact. 

It can be difficult to distinguish between the three types of sources.  They

even differ between subjects and disciplines, particularly between the
sciences and humanities. By understanding the unique characteristics and
features of each, you will be able to identify them and maximize their potential
use, and ultimately help you become a more effective researcher and
communicate your work to others.

PRIMARY SOURCES DEFINED

Primary sources are first-hand accounts or individual representations and

creative works. They are created by those who have directly witnessed what
they are describing, and bring us as close to the original event or thought as
possible without being filtered, influenced or analyzed through interpretation. 
They tend to be original documents that don't usually describe or analyze
work by others.  Primary sources may be published or unpublished works. 

Use primary sources when you want to make claims or criticisms, as evidence
for theories, or to gain timely perspectives on a topic.

EXAMPLES

General examples: Letters, diaries, speeches, interviews, correspondence

History:  Transcript of speech given by Queen Elizabeth I; newsreel footage of

World War II

Literature: Fiction such as Miguel de Cervantes' novel, Don Quixote; Franz

Kafka's short story, The Metamorphosis, or poetry by Robert Frost. 

Art: Works by artists such as Pablo Picasso's painting, Three Musicians; or

Michelangelo's sculpture, David

Social Sciences: Interview transcripts of mentally ill patients; raw, analyzed

population data; newspaper articles about events. 

Natural Sciences: Analyzed results from biological study; analyzed field data
collected by environmental org; original experiments or research.

Examples: court cases, newspaper articles about current events.

 
SECONDARY SOURCES DEFINED

Secondary sources build off of primary sources with more extensive and in-
depth analyses. They summarize, evaluate, and analytically interpret primary
material, often by offering a personal perspective. While these are useful to
check what other experts in the field have to say, they are not evidence. It is
one step removed from the original or primary source.  Because secondary
sources are published works, they will list their sources of information which
can be used to located additional information for your research.

Use secondary sources to see what others have discussed. They can be a
good place to gather background information on a topic. You can also use
secondary sources to explore what subtopics have already been explored on
a given topic.

EXAMPLES

General examples: Textbooks, monographs (books), encyclopedias, analysis,

review articles, dissertations, thesis,

History:  Article analyzing Queen Elizabeth I's speech; book recounting battle
history of World War II; biographies

Literature: Literary critiques such as an article that examines Cervantes'

writing style; paper discussing motifs in The Metamorphosis

Art: Lecture given about Michelangelo's techniques; Criticism or review of

Picasso's painting

Social Sciences: News commentaries; Article analyzing results of mental

illness study; book that discusses population trends over time; evaluations of
social and government policy, law and legislation.

Natural Sciences: Review articles that evaluates the theories and works of
others; article on the environmental impact of pollution

TERTIARY SOURCES DEFINED

Tertiary Sources are distillations and collections of primary and secondary

sources. The information is compiled and digested into factual representation,
so that it does not obviously reflect points of view, critiques or persuasions.
Tertiary sources are typically the last to be published in the information cycle. 
Because it has been filtered through many reviewers, it tends to consist of
highly reliable and accurate information, plus contain broad perspectives of
topics. 

Use tertiary sources for a general overview of your topic and for background
information for your research.  
EXAMPLES

General examples: Encyclopedias, directories, dictionaries, handbooks,

guides, classification, chronology, and other fact books.