Types of Sources

So what do you need?

Chances are your teacher has specified something about the kinds of sources you need. Perhaps they are requiring databases or primary sources. But what does all of that mean?

Databases versus Google

Chances are your teacher is going to ask you to use databases rather than a Google search. Why? To understand the difference between a search engine, like Google, and a database, watch this video.

From https://library.fiu.edu/history/primary

Primary & Secondary Sources

Your teacher may specify primary and/ or secondary sources. In the simplest terms, a primary sources is a first-hand testimony by a person who experienced the event. A secondary source is created from primary sources. The writer has not experienced the incident first hand.

Scholarly & Popular Articles

Your teacher may also specify scholarly and/ or popular sources. These are exactly what they sound like. Scholarly sources are for scholars or students of all kinds-- and written and reviewed by scholars of all kinds. Popular sources are meant for the general public with less specific information, including few or no citations.