Advantages of using Primary Sources

By: Venus Monica C. Calungsod

I.
Many students thought history as a set of facts, dates, and events presented in a textbook.
This viewpoint can be modified through utilization of primary sources. As students use primary
sources, they will learn to see their textbook as one historical interpretation, and the author as an
interpreter of facts. Primary sources will mesmerize students as they are real and genuine; history
is humanized through them. Through primary/original sources, we are able to connect and reflect
individual viewpoint of the participants and observer of an historical event. As primary sources are
firsthand accounts or interpretations, and original documents of historical occurrences created at
that time. Hence, this paper will thoroughly present the benefits or advantages of using primary
sources.

II.
A. Primary data is an information that has been acquired from first-hand experience, which is
more reliable, authentic, and objective. As to which, primary data has not been updated or
manipulated by humans, it has a higher level of validity than secondary data. This idea was
supported by the study of Kabir (2016), as he stated that in researches it is necessary to get
information from primary sources and work on primary data. In which, primary sources are direct
evidence and more reliable, unlike secondary data has already been manipulated by human
beings. He also added that primary sources are more packed with useful information, in contrast
with secondary sources which contains limited information, some can be also misleading and
biased. In general, throughout the study of Kabir (2016) about data collection, he strongly
suggested to use primary sources in researches, as such it has more advantages than using
secondary sources.

The question of how firm internationalisation evolves over time is best answered by
the careful use of historical research methods duly
The question of how firm internationalisation evolves over time is best answered by
the careful use of historical research methods duly
The question of how firm internationalisation evolves over time is best answered by
the careful use of historical research methods duly
The question of how firm internationalisation evolves over time is best answered by
the careful use of historical research methods duly
The question of how firm internationalisation evolves over time is best answered by
the careful use of historical research methods duly
The question of how firm internationalisation evolves over time is best answered by
the careful use of historical research methods duly
The question of how firm internationalisation evolves over time is best answered by
the careful use of historical research methods duly
The question of how firm internationalisation evolves over time is best answered by
the careful use of historical research methods duly
The question of how firm internationalisation evolves over time is best answered by
the careful use of historical research methods duly
The question of how firm internationalisation evolves over time is best answered by
the careful use of historical research methods duly

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B. Sources for primary data are limited and at times it becomes even difficult to obtain this
information than secondary data. Though, as based on the study of Kabir (2016), it is more
credible to use primary sources than the lower level of validity sources such as secondary
sources. Moreover, primary data has a number of advantages, including authenticity, specificity,
and up-to-date information. Unlike secondary sources, primary data is extremely trustworthy since
it is typically objective and obtained directly from the original source. Not only that, it also allows
the researcher to obtain original data that are current and highly specific to his or her needs. Thus,
primary sources are truly more beneficial than secondary sources, as it more accurate first-hand
experience information directly from the researchers target population. Also, it brings in more
control over the gathering process of information, where the researchers can easily manipulate.

III.
A. Furthermore, Seth Cayley (2021) outlines why primary sources are an effective and
beneficial learning tool for students in his article entitled “Five Reasons Why Primary Sources
Should Be Used for Teaching.” First, he stated that primary sources are documented evidence of
history, and helps student or researchers to understand the past and even the present. Second,
he added that primary sources unlock diverse and historically marginalized perspectives. Third,
primary sources can help students develop critical-thinking skills. Fourth, he further included that
studying primary sources helps students become better citizens, as they were informed citizens.
Lastly, he stated that nowadays digital platforms widen access to primary sources, which can be
easily be obtained by students. Wherein, in general, Cayley explained by using primary sources
students can get a new perspective on the thoughts, words, and deeds of the past. These
resources give crucial historical background and enable students to connect with previous events
on a more personal level.

B. Primary sources enable researchers to get as close as possible to what actually happened
during an historical event or time period. This idea summarizes that context and notion of Seth
Cayley in his article, as he explained that using primary sources benefits students in five ways.
First, primary sources offer a critical viewpoint that can help students understand how previous
events have shaped our contemporary environment. Second, primary sources are also important
for delving deeper into history and society, allowing scholars to explore the diversity of human
experience outside of the mainstream. Third, as assessing primary materials, students must
engage in inquiry and reflection, which are crucial exercises for developing critical thinking skills.
Fourth, students can use primary sources to examine the documentary evidence of a country's
history, which promotes good citizenship. Lastly, fortunately, primary sources are becoming easier
to access and examine, through the help of modern technology. Overall, primary sources are an
effective and beneficial learning tool for students, as these can help for better understanding of
current events and the ability to evaluate information critically.

IV.
Primary sources promote original research for deeper understanding and developing critical
thinking skills. As students use several primary sources, they will develop the frame of complete
picture of a specific information and facts. As primary sources have become easier and easier to
find through the advancement of modern technology. It became a popular topic of discussion and
interest among scholarly studies or researches. As for historical researchers, primary sources
have gain positive responses, history come alive through these sources. Having these sources,
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instead of passive learning, students are exposed to a variety of viewpoints, allowing them to
become more actively involved in their studies and to interpret events and situations for
themselves. Therefore, presenting these great impacts of using primary sources reflects how
advantageous or beneficial these sources to information analysis and interpretation in past,
present, and future.

V.
Students who are writing a custom term paper, research paper, or essay sometimes do not
understand the distinction between primary and secondary sources. Even sometimes, they tend to
use more secondary sources than primary sources, as it is easier to obtained. More likely, these
students have not yet exposed to the benefits and advantages of using primary sources as their
method of data collection. As to which, through utilization of primary sources aid students in the
development of knowledge, skills, and analytical abilities. As students ask questions, think
critically, make educated conclusions, and construct reasoned explanations of events and
situations in the past and present in working with primary materials, they grow and enhance
themselves. These should be exposed to students or even for researchers, for their better
understanding and learnings. Hence, as we all know, primary sources are the building blocks of
historical research, and the foundation of ideas and facts. In which, it is an effective and beneficial
learning tool to further comprehend with the events happening in the past, present, and even in
the future.

VI. References
Kabir, S. M. (2016). METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION. ResearchGate: Accessed last 21th of
October 2021 at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325846997_METHO
DS_OF_DATA_COLLECTION
Cayley, S. (2021, October 6). Five reasons why primary sources should be used for teaching. THE
Campus Learn, Share, Connect. Accessed last 21th of October 2021 at https://www.times
highereducation.com/campus/five-reasons-why-primary-sources-should-be-used-teaching

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