When writing an academic paper, citing your sources is the most important aspect. Academic sources are scholarly books, articles, and research papers that are peer-reviewed, credible, and authoritative. However, there is confusion among researchers in understanding what literature counts as a source and which type of source to use? Show
This blog will help researchers understand the difference between types of sources and explain when each should be used. Primary and secondary sources assist researchers through their literature study. To use sources efficiently and in the correct manner, one must identify the nature of each source and the reason for using it. This will help researchers distinguish between their contribution and the argument expressed by the sources used. The primary sources provide direct evidence of a topic. Meanwhile, secondary sources are the analyses based on existing primary source. For example, if one were researching the American Civil War, the primary source would be a letter written by a soldier who fought in the war, while a secondary source would be a history book about the war. While writing a research paper, it is essential to use both primary and secondary sources to understand the nitty-gritty of a topic. What Is a Primary Source?A primary source is a first-hand record of an event. These are the events or evidence that were first described without any interpretation or commentary. This source gives researchers direct access to the subject of research and displays original thinking, reports on discoveries, or shares new information. Examples of Primary SourcesTheses, dissertations, scholarly journal articles (research-based), government reports, symposia and conference proceedings, original artwork, poems, photographs, speeches, letters, memos, personal narratives, diaries, interviews, autobiographies, and correspondence. What Is a Secondary Source?A secondary source offers an analysis or restatement of a primary source. These provide second-hand information and commentary from based on the original sources. These majorly include peer-reviewed academic sources, such as journal articles, books, and book chapters for research. Examples of Secondary SourcesTextbooks, edited works, books, and articles that interpret or review research works, histories, biographies, literary criticism, and interpretation, reviews of law and legislation, political analyses, and commentaries. The table below shows some differences between both types of sources.
Deciding Between Primary and Secondary SourcesDeciding and identifying between primary and secondary sources is difficult. Researchers often experience this situation while composing research papers, assignments, or journal articles. Finding the right source is the most important factor while citing information. A researcher must know which is the best source (primary or secondary source) for their research project. Following are some points that will assist researchers in understanding and distinguishing between primary and secondary sources —
Apart from understanding the difference between primary and secondary sources, a crucial aspect of sources is to determine their credibility before citing them. Researchers must do a thorough check of the sources they wish to cite in their research study. This will help them avoid the inclusion of false information in articles, research papers, journals, or writing assignments. Secondary Sources CitationSome of the popular secondary source citation formats include the MLA (Modern Language Assoication) style guide, the APA (American Psychology Association) style guide, and the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS). These citation styles enable writers to correctly cite information obtained from various sources. In MLA style, the citations consist of two parts: a brief in-text citation in the body of the essay and a detailed list of the “Works Cited” at the end of the work. In MLA style citation, the elements are listed in the following order: author, title of source, the title of container, other contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication Date, and Location. The APA referencing style is an author-date style. The citation in the text consists of the author(s) and the year of publication given either wholly or partly in parentheses. In APA style citation, use only the surname of the author(s) followed by a comma and the year of publication. Include the page, chapter, or section numbers if you need to be specific. There is no distinction between books, journal articles, internet documents, or other formats except for electronic documents that do not provide page numbers The CMOS provides guidelines for two styles of citation: author-date and notes and bibliography —
In conclusion, it is essential for early career researchers to understand the differences between primary and secondary sources before they start their research journey. Research papers based on incorrect citations can be rejected outright. The best way to learn about primary and secondary sources is to consult a professor or a senior in your field of study. Once you have understood the concept, it will be easier for you to identify primary and secondary sources when you come across them. When in doubt, always cite the source from which you have taken the information. If you need help with understanding MLA, APA or CMOS style referencing, please visit: https://www.enago.com/plagiarism-checker/citation-generator/ Which is an example of a secondary source in a literature review quizlet?A meta-analysis appearing in the Cochrane Reviews, a metasynthesis published in the journal Qualitative Health Research, and a systematic review published in the journal Nursing Research are examples of secondary sources.
Which of the following is example of secondary source?Examples of secondary sources are scholarly or popular books and journal articles, histories, criticisms, reviews, commentaries, encyclopedias, and textbooks.
What is a secondary source for a research literature review quizlet?C Secondary sources include materials written by persons other than the person who conducted a research study or developed a particular theory.
Which of the following literature sources would be the best example of a secondary source?Common examples of secondary sources include academic books, journal articles, reviews, essays, and textbooks.
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