What types of sources are considered primary and secondary depends on the subject you are working in. The charts below list types of sources that are often used as primary and secondary sources, and the areas of study in which the sources are likely to be used that way.
A general definition of a primary source is one that is produced by the person who experienced what they are writing about. In the case of the sciences and social sciences, this could be a research article written by the person who performed the research. In the case of the arts and humanities, this could be a performance of a play or a diary entry about a battle written by a soldier who fought in it.
Primary Sources
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Reports of original research or experiments conducted by experts in the area of study.
The raw material underlying the reports.
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Used as primary sources for:
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Original works of art, music, or writing.
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Used as primary sources for:
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Philosophical or religious texts
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Used as primary sources for:
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Sources describing the events during which they were created.
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Used as primary sources for:
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Secondary Sources
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Sources analyzing, interpreting, or synthesizing information from research studies.
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Used as secondary sources for:
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Criticism of an original creative work.
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Used as secondary sources for:
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Interpretation of a philosophical or religious text.
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Used as secondary sources for:
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Study of a historical event, trend, or phenomenon.
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Used as secondary sources for:
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