Understanding Primary and Secondary Sources

The video tutorial explains the differences between primary and secondary sources in research. Primary sources are original materials or firsthand accounts, while secondary sources analyze or critique primary sources. Examples of primary sources include letters, diaries, and raw data, whereas secondary sources include essays and reviews. The tutorial also discusses using social media as primary sources and provides examples to illustrate the concepts. Understanding these distinctions helps in building strong research arguments. For more tips, viewers are encouraged to visit ResearchReady.com.

What are you searching for when using library catalogs and databases?

• Only primary sources

• Only secondary sources

• Both primary and secondary sources

• Neither primary nor secondary sources

Which of the following is a primary source in the humanities?

• A review article

• A diary

• A documentary

• A textbook

What is considered a primary source in the sciences?

• A lab report

• A newspaper article

• A biography

• A movie

Can social media posts be used as primary sources?

• Yes, always

• No, never

• Yes, but with professor's approval

• Only if they are from verified accounts

What characterizes a secondary source?

• It is an original work

• It critiques or analyzes primary sources

• It is a firsthand account

• It is unpublished

In the koala bear research example, what is the primary source?

• The newspaper article

• The survey data

• The documentary

• The textbook

How is the novel 'Infinite Jest' used as a primary source?

• By referencing direct quotes

• By watching a film adaptation

• By reading reviews

• By analyzing its themes

What determines if a journal article is a primary or secondary source?

• The length of the article

• The content and context

• The author's credentials

• The publication date

Why is understanding source types important for research?

• To build a strong argument

• To impress professors

• To avoid plagiarism

• To save time