What are Primary and Secondary Sources? 

Primary and secondary sources differ in terms of what type of information is provided. Victor Oluwatosin Ajayi describes, “the most important difference is that primary data is factual and original where as secondary data is just the analysis and interpretation of the primary data'' (1-2). Primary sources include information such as collected data, memoirs, and photos that are all observed by the people directly documenting the event. Secondary sources that interpret the information provided by primary sources can synthesize information in a way that is easier to understand, as well as provide comparisons between different primary sources. Understanding the types of sources and the advantages of each type is important in knowing when to incorporate a particular source to support an argument. Inadequate use of sources leads to weak arguments and prevents a student from being able to communicate ideas effectively. Primary sources provide unfiltered data and evidence but can be misinterpreted by the writer. Secondary sources may be easier to understand and can provide expert discussion and explanations for the evidence provided by primary sources. However, students need to be able to distinguish credible secondary sources, as there is another level of bias that can be introduced through the discussion of a primary source due to the added perspective of the secondary source author. The explanation of primary and secondary sources and their respective benefits in supporting arguments will help students focus their research and find sources to effectively support arguments.

Challenges in Incorporating Primary and Secondary Sources

Students struggle to appropriately incorporate primary and secondary sources in their writing which creates ineffective and confusing arguments. Students must first differentiate the two types to understand which source would benefit their argument more. Knowing how, when, and why to use both primary and secondary sources is the next step, and essential for an effective and appropriate argument in academic writing. Primary sources such as videos or photos provide raw data, firsthand accounts, or evidence without any bias an editor could provide. Before reading the author’s analysis and synthesis of the primary source, the reader can interpret the material. Because of the absence of opinions and interpretation, primary sources provide reliability and strength to an argument. Secondary sources, such as textbooks, according to Annette Marines, “interpret primary sources, and so can be described as at least one step removed from the event of phenomenon under review” (“Distinguish Between Primary and Secondary Sources”). Assuming these sources provide accurate commentary, secondary sources offer interpretation and discussion of the evidence and data provided in the primary source. The added narration can invoke thought in the reader which may not be possible with just a primary source. Both sources should be incorporated appropriately within the uneven U-model using an introduction and citation. An effective argument incorporates primary sources for credibility and authenticity and secondary sources for analysis, commentary, and discussion. The use of both types of sources offers credibility and further synthesis of the information to strengthen the essay's argument. 

Where students find the most difficulty is determining the appropriate time to use each type of source:  

A primary source provides direct access to the past in the form of raw data, evidence, and unedited/untouched work, free from bias and commentary. Consequently, primary sources require outside analysis, interpretation, or commentary by the student to connect the source to the argument. A student begins by contextualizing the primary source, providing the purpose, date, or any relevant information that may provide a background. If a student cites an excerpt from President John Adams’ diary, introducing Adams and describing the ongoing events at the time of the journal entry would be appropriate context. Otherwise, the reader will not understand the relevance of the journal entry to the essay’s argument. After citing the primary source, the student should establish why the source is valuable to the argument; a quote or citation should never stand alone. Commentary can provide synthesis, elaboration, and additional context. When citing primary sources, assuming the topic is completely new to the reader is a helpful assumption to make. When writing from the perspective of an individual with no knowledge of the topic, the student must provide enough context, description, and analysis for the reader to gain a substantial understanding of the topic and argument. 

A secondary source is most valuable when the primary source is not available or when the additional analysis or commentary adds context and understanding of the original source. Students should avoid secondary sources that alter the purpose of a primary source, such as unreliable blogs, and instead use sources that synthesize and add more depth to primary sources. Raw data, for example, is difficult to decipher, so analysis in a secondary source can make data more understandable, which contributes to an effective argument. History textbooks, as another example, provide evidence of historical events with expert explanations and analysis. The historical experts simplify primary sources and omit unhelpful information to make the source easier to understand. There is also an opportunity for experts to provide connections between events and primary sources in their analysis. In addition, secondary sources make helpful and interesting comparisons between primary sources. Like citing primary sources, commentary and connection to the main argument is necessary and should follow the citation.

How to Differentiate Primary & Secondary Sources

Conclusion

Primary and secondary sources strengthen an argument for different reasons. Primary sources, which include unaltered data, firsthand accounts, and factual information, provide the reader with reliable and unbiased information, allowing for interpretation. Secondary sources add interpretation to preexisting primary sources, invoking thought and discussion with added commentary. While primary sources are more reliable and stronger for an argument because of their credibility, secondary sources provide perspectives the primary sources otherwise would not provide on their own. Students struggle to effectively use both primary and secondary sources because there is insufficient emphasis on the importance of writing in lower-level education. By learning how to select sources that offer the appropriate data or analysis, students can enhance their writing and strengthen their arguments. 

Works Cited