Primary Sources
There are three types of resources used in research:
A primary source is a document, speech, or other sort of evidence written, created or otherwise produced during the time under study. Primary sources offer an inside view of a particular event. Examples include:
Original Documents: Autobiographies, diaries, e-mail, interviews, letters, minutes, news film footage, official records, photographs, raw research data, speeches.
Creative Works: Art, drama, films, music, novels, poetry.
Relics or Artifacts: Buildings, clothing, DNA, furniture, jewelry, pottery.
A primary source is a document, speech, or other sort of evidence written, created or otherwise produced during the time under study. Primary sources offer an inside view of a particular event. Examples include:
Original Documents: Autobiographies, diaries, e-mail, interviews, letters, minutes, news film footage, official records, photographs, raw research data, speeches.
Creative Works: Art, drama, films, music, novels, poetry.
Relics or Artifacts: Buildings, clothing, DNA, furniture, jewelry, pottery.
Secondary Sources
Secondary sources are accounts or interpretations of events created by someone without first hand experience. They provide interpretation and analysis of primary sources. Secondary sources are one step removed from the original event.
[source: "What is a Primary Source?" University of Nevada, Reno.]
[source: "What is a Primary Source?" University of Nevada, Reno.]