Primary and Secondary Sources

Interviews: are they a primary source?
Interviews can add tremendously to your research project. Read on to quickly learn when an interview is considered a primary source.

Is a documentary a secondary source? [with examples]
You are not sure if a documentary is a secondary source? We show you when and why is a documentary either a secondary or a tertiary source.

Is a letter a primary source?
Letters are frequently used in historical research. Read on to see when a letter qualifies as a primary source.

Is a map a primary source?
You are not sure if a map is a primary source? We show you when and why is a map a primary or a secondary source.

Is a painting a primary source? [with examples]
You are not sure if a painting is a primary source? We show you when and why a painting is either a primary or a secondary source.

Is a textbook a secondary source?
You are not sure if a textbook is a secondary source? We show you when and why is a textbook either a primary, secondary or tertiary source.

Is an autobiography a primary source?
You are not sure if an autobiography is a primary source? We show you when and why is an autobiography either a primary or secondary source.

Is an encyclopedia a primary source?
You are not sure if an encyclopedia is a primary source? We show you the right way to reference an encyclopedia.

Is census data a primary source?
You are not sure if census data is a primary source? We show you when and why is census data a primary source and where to get it.

Is the US Constitution a primary source?
You are not sure if the US Constitution is a primary source? We show you when and why is the US Constitution a primary source.

Newspaper articles: primary or secondary sources?
Learn what questions to ask to see if a newspaper article really qualifies as a primary source.

Primary vs. secondary sources: how to distinguish them
Primary and secondary sources are the foundations of every research project. Learn about their differences and when to use them.

What is a primary source?
Primary sources are the most important sources when undertaking a research project. We answer the 6 most asked questions about primary sources.

What is a secondary source?
Secondary sources are your starting point when undertaking a research project. We answer the 5 most asked questions about secondary sources.