| Secondary Source |
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Information AboutSecondary Source |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT SECONDARY SOURCE | |
| historiography | |
| library and information science | |
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A primary source is a form of information that can be regarded as an artifact of its time. A secondary source is often a commentary or analysis of a primary source. For examples, the ''Memoirs'' of General Ulysses S. Grant is a primary source, because it was penned in its time and can be taken as a raw, original source of information (which does not say anything about its veracity or completeness). A book which writes about Grant, and uses Grant's memoirs, would generally be a secondary source. A primary source is not, by default, more authoritative or accurate than a secondary source. Secondary sources often are subjected to Peer Review , are well documented, and are often produced through institutions where methodological accuracy is important to the future of the author's career and reputation. A primary source like a journal entry, at best, only reflects one person's take on events, which may or may not be truthful, accurate, or complete. Historians subject both primary and secondary sources to a high level of scrutiny. As a general rule, however, modern historians prefer to go back to primary sources, if available, as well as seeking new ones. Primary sources, whether accurate or not, offer new input into historical questions and most modern history revolves around heavy use of Archive s for the purpose of finding useful primary sources. A work on history is not likely to be taken seriously if it only cites secondary sources, as it does not indicate that original research has been done. SECONDARY SOURCES IN LAW Secondary sources are often used in Common Law , to allow judges to determine what is actually meant by the language of a particular Statute . See Legislative Intent . REFERENCES
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