Primary VS. Secondary VS. Tertiary Source of Information

A primary source of information is the original document, record, or data generated by an event, experiment, or person. It provides firsthand evidence or direct evidence of an event, without any interpretation or analysis from other sources. Primary sources are often used in historical research, scientific studies, and journalism to capture the raw facts and context of a particular event or phenomenon. Examples of primary sources include:

1. Original documents (e.g., diaries, letters, meeting minutes, legal documents, scientific observations)

2. Historical artifacts (e.g., artwork, tools, clothing)

3. Interviews (e.g., oral histories, personal accounts)

4. Observational data (e.g., field notes, laboratory results)

5. Original research articles (e.g., in scientific journals)

A secondary source of information is one that analyzes, interprets, or discusses primary sources. It provides a second layer of interpretation and analysis, often providing context, background information, and critical evaluation of the primary sources. Secondary sources are often used to help understand the implications and significance of primary sources. Examples of secondary sources include:

1. Books (e.g., history textbooks, academic monographs)

2. Articles (e.g., in newspapers, magazines, academic journals)

3. Reviews (e.g., literature reviews, movie reviews)

4. Documentaries

5. Lectures and presentations

A tertiary source of information is one that compiles, organizes, or summarizes information from primary and secondary sources. It is the third level of removed from the original event or phenomenon. Tertiary sources are often used for general reference purposes and to provide an overview of a topic. Examples of tertiary sources include:

1. Encyclopedias

2. Dictionaries

3. Almanacs

4. Textbooks

5. Websites (e.g., Wikipedia)

In summary, primary sources provide firsthand evidence, secondary sources analyze and interpret primary sources, and tertiary sources compile, organize, or summarize information from primary and secondary sources. The level of removed from the original event or phenomenon determines the type of source. Using a combination of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources can provide a well-rounded understanding of a topic.