Primary and Secondary Sources

Summary

This training video educates viewers on the difference between primary and secondary sources in U.S. history. Primary sources are original materials from the time period under study, such as letters, speeches, and autobiographies. Secondary sources are interpretations of primary sources, often created by those without direct experience of the events. The video uses Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech and his autobiography as examples of primary sources, while textbooks and essays are secondary. It concludes with a comprehension check to reinforce learning.

Takeaways

• 📚 A 'source' refers to any person, place, or object that provides information.
• 📖 Primary Sources are original materials created during the time period being studied or 'first-hand' information.
• 💡 Examples of primary sources include letters, diaries, government documents, news articles, artifacts, and autobiographies.
• 🎤 Modern primary sources also encompass speeches, video news footage, photographs, and recorded interviews.
• 👤 An example of a primary source is Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech, which is first-hand information.
• 📝 Secondary Sources are created by studying primary sources and are considered 'second-hand' information.
• 📚 Common secondary sources are textbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, websites, essays, and biographies.
• 📚 Secondary sources are written by individuals who did not directly experience the events or time periods they describe.
• 📘 When studying Martin Luther King Jr., secondary sources would include textbooks, essays, biographies, and educational videos.
• 🔍 Both primary and secondary sources are used to write essays or reports on historical figures, with primary sources being foundational.
• 📈 The video concludes with a comprehension check to ensure understanding of the difference between primary and secondary sources.

Q & A

What are the two types of sources used in learning U.S. History?

The two types of sources used in learning U.S. History are Primary Sources and Secondary Sources.

What is the definition of Primary Sources?

Primary Sources are original materials created or produced during the time under study or 'first-hand' information.

Give some examples of Primary Sources used for studying U.S. history.

Examples of Primary Sources include letters, diary entries, quotes, government documents, news articles, artifacts, paintings, drawings, autobiographies, speeches, video news footage, photographs, and recorded interviews.

How does the 'I Have a Dream Speech' by Martin Luther King Jr. qualify as a Primary Source?

The 'I Have a Dream Speech' is a Primary Source because it is first-hand information coming directly from Martin Luther King Jr., whether read, heard, or watched on video.

What is the role of Secondary Sources in historical research?

Secondary Sources are created by studying Primary Sources and are second-hand sources of information. They are created by someone who did not have first-hand experience or participate in the events, conditions, or time periods being studied.

List some examples of Secondary Sources.

Examples of Secondary Sources include textbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, websites, essays, and biographies written by someone other than the subject.

Why are both Primary and Secondary Sources important for writing an essay on a historical figure like Martin Luther King Jr.?

Both Primary and Secondary Sources are important for writing an essay because Primary Sources provide first-hand information, while Secondary Sources offer analysis and interpretation of those primary materials.

What is the difference between a Primary Source and a Secondary Source according to the transcript?

A Primary Source is an original material created during the time under study, providing first-hand information. A Secondary Source is created by someone who did not have first-hand experience and relies on Primary Sources for information.

Why is the Declaration of Independence considered a Primary Source?

The Declaration of Independence is considered a Primary Source because it was written by Thomas Jefferson and signed by Congress in 1776, providing direct, first-hand information about the event.

How does the transcript define 'first-hand' information?

In the transcript, 'first-hand' information refers to original materials created or produced during the time under study, providing direct evidence or testimony from the period.

What is the purpose of the comprehension check at the end of the video?

The purpose of the comprehension check is to assess the viewer's understanding of the differences between Primary and Secondary Sources and to reinforce the key concepts presented in the video.