Primary vs Secondary

Primary Sources

Secondary Resources

Original, first-hand accounts or direct evidence of an event, object, person, or work of art

Interpretations, analyses, or summaries of primary sources.

Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, original research, artifacts.

Textbooks, articles, reviews, biographies, documentaries, encyclopedias.

Offer interpretation, analysis, or a summary of primary sources.

Provide direct, unfiltered access to the subject of study

Used to gain an overview, context, or interpretation of primary sources.

Used to obtain raw data and firsthand evidence.

Created after the event, often by someone not directly involved.

Created at the time of the event or shortly thereafter.