Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources

Summary

This video from the Australian National University Library clarifies the distinction between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources in research. Primary sources offer first-hand evidence and original thinking, such as Marie Curie's lab notebook. Secondary sources analyze or restate primary sources, like newspaper articles, and are persuasive. Tertiary sources, including encyclopedias and Wikipedia, synthesize information without new insights. Context can blur source classifications, as a political speech can be both a primary historical event and a secondary persuasive text. The video emphasizes the importance of proper citation to avoid plagiarism and encourages seeking guidance from the library.

Takeaways

• 📚 Primary sources are first-hand evidence or original research in any discipline, considered authoritative and credible.
• 🔍 Secondary sources analyze, interpret, or restate primary sources, and are considered persuasive, often including newspaper articles and textbooks.
• 📘 Tertiary sources compile information from both primary and secondary sources without presenting new information or analysis, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The categorization of a source as primary, secondary, or tertiary can depend on the context of its use and the discipline it pertains to.
• 🎨 In arts and social sciences, a painting could be a primary source, a book about the artist a secondary source, and an encyclopedia entry a tertiary source.
• 🌌 In science, a research paper like 'Supernovae, the Accelerating Cosmos, and Dark Energy' is a primary source, while an article discussing it is secondary.
• 📉 A source can be both primary and secondary, or even tertiary, depending on the context in which it is used.
• 📽 Documentaries, reviews, and essays can be primary in one context and secondary in another, illustrating the fluid nature of source categorization.
• 📝 It's crucial to cite sources correctly whether you quote, paraphrase, or synthesize to avoid plagiarism.
• ❓ If unsure about the categorization of a source, consulting with a lecturer or supervisor is recommended.
• 📚 The ANU Library offers extensive support, including online materials and guides, to assist with research and understanding of sources.

Q & A

What are the three types of sources discussed in the video?

The video discusses primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.

Why are primary sources considered more credible?

Primary sources are considered more credible because they provide first-hand evidence or original thinking, reports on discoveries, and events, and are generally authoritative.

Can you give an example of a primary source in the context of science?

An example of a primary source in science would be the first-time an experiment is conducted or a lab notebook like Marie Curie's, which is still radioactive.

What is the role of secondary sources in research?

Secondary sources provide analysis, interpretation, or a restatement of primary sources. They help to build a convincing argument by showing how your work relates to existing research.

How are tertiary sources different from secondary sources?

Tertiary sources, like secondary sources, include both primary and secondary sources, but they do not present any new information or offer an analysis of the information sources.

What is an example of a tertiary source?

Examples of tertiary sources include some textbooks, abstracts, reference works like dictionaries, bibliographies, encyclopedias, and even Wikipedia.

Can a source be considered more than one type depending on the context?

Yes, a source can be primary in one context and secondary in another, or it can be both secondary and tertiary, depending on the individual context and how it is framed.

What are some examples of grey areas where a source can be different depending on the context?

Examples include a speech or tweet by a political figure, documentaries about World War II, reviews and essays about Anita Heiss's novels, and newspaper articles about economic policies.

Why is it important to cite sources in research?

Citing sources is important to avoid plagiarism and to give credit to the original authors. It also helps readers trace the origins of the information used in the research.

What should a researcher do if they are unsure about the type of a source or how to cite it?

If a researcher is unsure about the type of a source or how to cite it, they should check with their lecturer or supervisor. They can also reach out to the ANU Library for support and guidance.

How can the ANU Library assist researchers in their work?

The ANU Library can assist researchers by providing an extensive collection of online materials, guides, and support services. They encourage researchers to subscribe to their channel for more informative videos.