PRIMARY AND

SECONDARY
SOURCES
4 Basic Categories
1. Documents
2. Numerical Records
3. Oral Statements
4. Relics

Main emphasis of historical research is on interpretation of documents,

diaries and the like. Historical data are categorized into primary and
secondary.
Primary Source – prepared by an individual who was a participant in, or a
direct witness to, the event that being described.

Secondary Source –document prepared by an individual who was not a

direct witness to an event, but who obtained his or her description of the
event from someone else.

Primary may be harder to find but are generally more accurate and preferred
by historical researchers.
Primary Sources

Advantages:
Directly address the topic ; provide info that in unavailable elsewhere

Disadvantages:
It may be too close to the subject, LACKING A CRITICAL DISTANCE.
Others like interviews, surveys, and experiments, are time consuming to
prepare, administer and analyze
Secondary Source:

Advantages:
Provide a variety of expert perspectives and insights
Peer review usually ensures quality of sources (scholarly articles, etc)

Disadvantages:
Since it may not necessarily focused on your specific topic, you may have to
dig to find applicable information.
Information may be colored by the writer’s own bias or faulty approach.
Types of Primary Sources:

1. Autobiographies or Memoirs
2. Diaries, Personal Letters and Correspondence
3. Interviews, Surveys and Fieldwork
4. Photographs and Posters
5. Works of Arts and Literature
6. Speeches and Oral Histories
Types of Secondary Sources

1. Bibliographies
2. Bibliographical Works
3. Periodicals (Newspaper, Magazine, Journal)
4. Document Collection
5. Found Documents
Research and Study:

1. What is an APA format?

2. Study the structure of an APA format Bibliography.
ASSIGNMENT:

1. Definition of Terms. 17 Terms. Refer to Edmodo for this and for further
instructions.
2. Look for 10 books in the Library on Philippine History. Make an
Annotated Bibliography. Follow APA format. Refer to Edmodo for further
instruction.

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