1. Primary Sources.
Primary sources are, simply put, firsthand accounts. These bring us as close as possible to the event, the subject, the original idea, or the findings of a scientific study. Some examples of primary sources are:
- Theses & dissertations
- Diaries
- Interviews
- Letters
- Speeches
- Photographs
- Original works of art & literature
2. Secondary Sources.
A secondary source is anything that comments on, analyzes, or tackles a primary source. The information from the primary source is reviewed, organized, or interpreted, often with the help of other secondary sources. Some examples of secondary sources are:
- Textbooks
- Biographies
- Critical reviews
3. Tertiary Sources.
Tertiary sources are sources that refer to a primary or secondary source. It gives an overview of the topic, but rarely contains original material. Some examples are:
- Dictionaries
- Handbooks
- Tables
- Encyclopedias
Below are a few examples to help you understand the distinctions between the three types:
| Subject | Primary Source | Secondary Source | Tertiary Source |
|---|---|---|---|
Traffic App | CCTV Feed | Waze app | Waze User Reviews |
Medicine | CCTV Feed | Documentary on the effects of sin tax law | Encyclopedia article on tobacco |
Literature | Harry Potter | Book review | Dictionary of wizarding words |
History | Diary of Martial Law victim | Biography film about a family during Martial Law | List of missing persons or desaparecidos from the Martial Law period |
