There are three categories of sources that you will use in the social sciences.
1) Primary: These sources are records of events or evidence as they are first described or actually happened without any interpretation or commentary. Examples include diaries and newspapers.
2) Secondary: These sources analyze primary sources. Examples include scholarly articles.
3) Tertiary: Synthesize secondary and primary sources. Examples include encyclopedias.
Sources of information or evidence are often categorized as primary, secondary, or tertiary material. These classifications are based on the originality of the material and the proximity of the source or origin. This informs the reader as to whether the author is reporting information that is first hand or is conveying the experiences and opinions of others which is considered second hand. Determining if a source is primary, secondary or tertiary can be tricky. Below you will find a description of the three categories of information and examples to help you make a determination.
