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How do I know if a source is primary?
Primary sources are materials (data, government documents, photographs, letters, etc.) that are used by scholars to produce secondary sources (original research published in books and scholarly articles). Some library databases include primary sources (e.g. historical newspaper articles), but many primary sources are found on the internet or in books.
Before using a primary source (especially one found through Google), you should:
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- Be able to cite the source of the original material
- Be able to determine the person or organization responsible for providing access
- Consider the authenticity of the material
- Determine whether special software is required to view and/or use the material
- Assess whether the material / content can be supported or contradicted by other sources
- Identify other sources that will support any conclusion you draw
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When/Why do I use a primary source?
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- When you need a historical perspective on an issue.
- When you need the official “voice” of a government.
- When you need statistical data.
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Test: Popular
Explore the image below — mouseover the targets to learn more about the characteristics of a primary source. This example uses data tables (found on a website), but the elements discussed also apply to some books, articles, and websites.
"Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in the United States: Facts and Figures."US Environmental Protection Agency. United States Environmental Protection Agency. 15 November 2012. Web. 23 January 2013.
In order to properly cite this source, you will need the URL.
Could a document be fake? How was data collected? Does the site hosting the material have a stake in misleading you?
Remember, the authority and accuracy of your research (and your grade) depends on others being able to see what you saw, and use what you used.
Who is responsible for creating the material? When was it created?
Make sure to keep track of the Table Number (or the title) of any table that you take data from.
Make sure that you cite the material, and not the website hosting the material.
Others should be able to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of any primary source you include in your research.
What do secondary sources say about the data you've found?
Make sure to keep track of the Table Number (or the title) of any table that you take data from.
Make sure to keep track of the Table Number (or the title) of any table that you take data from.
What do secondary sources say about the data you've found?
Make sure to keep track of the Table Number (or the title) of any table that you take data from
Anticipate the questions or concerns others may have about your primary source, then find other (secondary) sources that will support your research.
What do secondary sources say about the data you've found?