From a secondary source refers to information or data that has been obtained or derived from an intermediary or indirect source, rather than directly from the original or primary source. A secondary source is created by someone other than the person who experienced or witnessed an event, conducted research, or produced original content. These sources often interpret, analyze, compile, summarize, or present information based on primary sources.
Secondary sources can include academic articles, books, textbooks, encyclopedias, reviews, commentaries, documentaries, news reports, and literary critiques. They provide an interpretation or analysis of primary sources or give an overview of specific topics by drawing on various primary sources. For example, a history textbook may summarize primary sources like diaries, letters, and official documents to present a comprehensive account of a historical event.
While secondary sources are valuable for their synthesis and analysis of primary information, they can introduce bias or errors depending on the perspective or accuracy of the author. Therefore, it is often important to consult primary sources directly for a more objective or firsthand understanding of a subject.
When sourcing information "from a secondary source," it means the information has been obtained or referenced from a publication or content that is an intermediate step away from the primary or original source.
