Types of Sources and Where to Find Them: Part I: Primary Sources

Summary

This tutorial explains the distinction between primary and secondary sources for historians and scholars. Primary sources, such as diaries and legal testimonies, offer raw materials for research, while secondary sources interpret the past based on these primary materials. The script discusses the importance of understanding the context of creation, the creator's intentions, and the audience for these sources. It also provides guidance on locating primary sources, including unpublished documents in archives and published materials available online, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of their reliability and relevance.

Takeaways

• 📚 Primary and secondary sources are classified based on their production time relative to the events being studied and their role in research.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Primary sources are raw materials created around the time of the events and are key evidence in historical research.
• 📰 Secondary sources offer interpretations of the past based on primary sources, such as the example of a newspaper article from 1959.
• 🔍 The categorization of a source as primary or secondary depends on the research question and how the source is treated in the context of that question.
• 📖 A single work, like 'Black Reconstruction in America,' can serve as both a primary and secondary source depending on the focus of the research.
• 🏛️ Many primary sources are unpublished and located in archives, requiring physical access for study.
• 📝 Examples of primary sources include diaries, letters, and legal documents, which provide firsthand accounts of events.
• 🌐 Some primary sources, though not published at the time of creation, have been later published or digitized for online access.
• 🔎 Finding primary sources can be challenging due to language barriers, loss of documents, or their non-existence.
• 🗺️ Primary sources like maps, photographs, and visual materials offer insights into the time period and perspectives of the people.
• 📚 Published primary sources can be located through online catalogs and digital collections of historical documents.
• 📝 Consulting bibliographies and secondary literature can help identify primary sources used by other scholars in related research.

Q & A

What is the main difference between primary and secondary sources?

Primary sources are original materials created around the time of the events being studied, reflecting the creator's observations or beliefs. Secondary sources, in contrast, provide interpretations of the past based on primary sources.

Why is it important to understand the distinction between primary and secondary sources?

The distinction is important because it affects how you understand and use these sources in your research. Primary sources serve as raw material for analysis, while secondary sources offer interpretations that can be used to support or challenge your arguments.

Can a single source be considered both a primary and a secondary source?

Yes, a source can be used as both a primary and secondary source depending on the research question. Its classification depends on how it is treated in the context of the research.

What is an example of a primary source mentioned in the script?

An example of a primary source is a newspaper article describing Nixon's visit to the Soviet Union in 1959, written by a journalist who witnessed the event.

What is the significance of considering the context when evaluating a primary source?

Considering the context helps determine the reliability of the source, the motivations behind its creation, and its intended audience, which are crucial for understanding its value in research.

Why might historical documents be difficult to locate?

Historical documents may be difficult to locate because they may never have been published, are only available in archives, have been lost, were never created, or exist in languages other than English.

What are some examples of primary sources for researching the issue of birth control in 20th century America?

Examples include court cases, legislative documents, newspaper articles, and letters, which can provide a variety of perspectives on the issue.

How can one determine if a source is a reliable account or created with a particular bias?

One must consider the source's creation time, its creator's intentions, and whether it was created to persuade or inform. This helps in assessing the reliability and potential bias of the account.

What types of organizations might create records related to a research topic?

Organizations that might create relevant records include governments, associations, non-governmental organizations, and businesses, which can produce statistics, reports, legislative documents, and financial records.

How can visual material provide insight into a historical period?

Visual material such as maps, photographs, posters, and advertisements can reveal contemporary perspectives, political boundaries, social concerns, and cultural attitudes of the time.

How can one find published primary sources for research?

Published primary sources can be found using online catalogs, digital collections of historical documents, and by consulting bibliographies and secondary literature on the topic.