SECONDARY SOURCES Meaning and
Definition
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Secondary sources refer to written or recorded materials that analyze, interpret, or discuss primary sources. Unlike primary sources, which are firsthand accounts or original documents created at the time of an event, secondary sources offer a critical evaluation or interpretation of primary sources. They are produced by individuals who were not directly involved in the events they are studying, and instead draw on primary sources to analyze and provide context or commentary.
These sources provide valuable insights, opinions, or interpretations of primary sources, making them crucial for researchers across different academic disciplines. Some common examples of secondary sources include scholarly and critical book reviews, academic journal articles, biographies, documentaries, commentaries, and textbooks. They are typically written or created after the events they analyze and offer a broader perspective, connecting primary sources to academic theories or wider historical, cultural, or social contexts.
Secondary sources serve several purposes, including helping researchers gain a deeper understanding of a topic, offering alternative viewpoints, providing context and analysis to primary sources, and assisting in the development of new research questions. Their credibility and reliability are determined by factors such as the author's expertise, the accuracy of their citations and references to primary sources, and the peer review process they may undergo in scholarly publications. Researchers must critically evaluate secondary sources to ensure their quality and relevance to their own research goals.
Etymology of SECONDARY SOURCES
The word "secondary" originated from the Latin word "secundarius", which means "second in order" or "subordinate". It is derived from the Latin root word "secundus", meaning "following" or "next".
The term "sources" stems from the Latin word "sors", which means "lot" or "fate". In this context, "sources" refers to the textual or written materials that provide information or support for research, analysis, or specific topics.
Therefore, the etymology of the phrase "secondary sources" indicates that these sources are considered second in importance or subordinate to primary sources, which are the original or firsthand materials. Secondary sources rely on primary sources for information and contribute additional commentary, analysis, or interpretations of the primary sources.
