Choosing primary sources
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This document defines and discusses primary sources. It explains that primary sources were created during the time period being studied and provide insights from those who experienced an event firsthand. Some examples of primary sources include documents, creative works, and artifacts. When choosing primary sources for research, factors to consider include the topic, variety of perspectives, ease of access, intended use, and obtaining sources from places like archives, newspapers databases, and universities. Primary sources must be carefully evaluated based on the author's knowledge and experience and references to other materials.
Choosing primary sources
- 1. Choosing Primary Sources Mary Jane Guerra The History Site
- 2. What is a Primary Source? A primary source is a document or object written or created during the time that is being studied. These sources were present during a certain time period and offer an insightful view of a particular event.
- 3. Types of Primary Sources Some types of primary sources include: Original documents: Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records. For example, Anna Frank’s diary. Creative works: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art. Relics or artifacts: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings. Adapted from http://www.princeton.edu/~refdesk/primary2.html
- 4. How do I know it is a Primary Source? Authors How does the author know what he/she knows? Does his/her knowledge stem from personal experience or having witnessed an event? Does the author cite several other (published) reports?
- 5. Content Why is the information being provided or the article written? Are there references to other writings on this topic? Currency/Timeliness Is the date of publication evident? Is the date of publication close to the event described? Adapted from: http://www.library.illinois.edu/ugl/howdoi/primarysources.html
- 6. Choosing the right ones When choosing primary sources for your investigation, keep the following questions in mind: Interest – What is the topic of the primary source? Is it something that can relate to your investigation? Variety of Sources – How many sources can you find related to the topic in question? Journal entries, newspaper articles, political cartoons, speeches. Accessibility – How easy is it to access the documents? Can you obtain them online?
- 7. Length – How long will it take you to read and analyze the document? Varied Perspectives – Am I being objective? Am I using enough sources to show different perspectives? Intended Purpose – How will you be using the document in your research? Is the document useful to that purpose?
- 8. Where to get these Sources? Article and Newspaper Databases – NY Times Local Archive Sources – Museums Public Web Sources – Universities
- 9. Contact me Google Plus: The History Site www.plus.google.com/117182091731551122435/about Twitter: @wargirl007 Facebook: Visionaire Consultants www.facebook.com/pages/Visionaire- Consultants/107318799323079?fref=ts Website: www.mjguerra.com E-mail: janieguerra@gmail.com