SMART INDIAN SCHOOL

CAMBRIDGE WING

SOURCES OF
INFORMATION
 SOURCES OF
INFORMATION

PRIMARY SECONDARY
SOURCES SOURCES
PRIMARY SOURCES OF
INFORMATION
• Primary sources are original materials or first-hand accounts created
or produced at the time of the event or period under consideration.
• These sources provide direct evidence or firsthand testimony about
an event, person, or object.
EXAMPLES
• Original documents (e.g., letters, diaries, speeches, interviews)
• Artifacts (e.g., tools, clothing, artwork)
• Audio or visual recordings (e.g., photographs, videos, audio
recordings)
• Newspapers or magazines from the time period
• Government documents (e.g., laws, treaties, reports)
• Creative works (e.g., novels, paintings, music composed during
the time period)
PURPOSE OF PRIMARY SOURCES
• Primary sources offer unfiltered, immediate information about the
topic of interest.
• They allow researchers to engage directly with the voices and
perspectives of the people who were involved in or witnessed the
events.
ADVANTAGES
• Provides authentic and original information.
• Offers insights into the attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of people
from the past.
• Allows for critical analysis and interpretation.
DISADVANTAGES
• May be biased or subjective based on the creator's perspective.
• Availability can be limited, especially for ancient or obscure topics.
SECONDARY SOURCES OF
INFORMATION
• Secondary sources are interpretations, analyses, or evaluations of
primary sources.
• They are created after the event or time period in question by people
who were not directly involved.
• Secondary sources often make information from various primary
sources.
EXAMPLES
• Books or articles that analyze historical events or periods.
• Biographies or documentaries about historical figures.
• Critical reviews of artworks, literature, or music.
• Encyclopedias, textbooks, and academic essays.
PURPOSE
• Secondary sources provide context, analysis, and interpretation of
primary sources.
• They help researchers understand the broader implications and
significance of historical events or phenomena.
ADANTAGES
• Helps us analyse primary sources.
• Offers a broader perspective on the topic.
DISADVANTAGES
• Interpretations may vary among different secondary sources.
• The accuracy and reliability of a secondary source depend on the
expertise and credibility of the author.