Primary v. Secondary Sources

What is Primary vs Secondary Research?

All research sources can be classified as either primary or secondary sources. 

Primary Source: A primary source is an original study, document, object, or eyewitness account. In other words, this is the source where any given information first appeared. For instance, if a scientific study is performed, the primary source is the initial report that is prepared by the scientist(s) who performed the research. 

Secondary Source: A secondary source is a document that is written about the primary source. These are often documents that report, analyze, discuss, or interpret primary sources.  

More examples:

• If I perform a survey of Aims students and report the results in an essay, I am the primary source for this information. If someone else reads my essay and decides to use the same information I reported in his/her essay, this becomes a secondary source.  

• If a scientist performs research and writes a report about the findings, this is the primary source for the information. If someone else evaluates the way the research was performed and/or the findings, this is a secondary source. 

• If I am writing a literature analysis paper, quoting the book or author I am analyzing is a primary source. Quoting or paraphrasing opinions about the book or its significance from literature professors and/or critics is a secondary source.

Usually, primary sources and secondary sources are both acceptable types of sources. 

Finding Primary Sources: 

It is often possible to track down a primary source from a secondary one. To do this, look at the references, works cited, bibliography, or internet links provided in a secondary source.