When you investigate the topic of your research paper, you use a variety of print, electronic, audio, and video resources to find the information you need. Sources are divided into the following categories: Primary sources are original documents, literary works, or first-hand accounts that are directly related to the subject and that were written in the time period you are studying. Examples of primary sources are literary works, scientific reports, newspaper articles, speeches, manuscripts, and autobiographies. Secondary sources are documents that analyze and interpret primary sources. Examples of secondary sources are literary criticism, reviews, textbooks, and history books. For example, if you were writing a research paper about changing family structure in the United States, you would use the results of the U.S. Census as a primary source and a research study about modern American families as a secondary source. If you need help in identifying relevant primary and secondary sources for your research paper, ask a librarian for some advice. Types of Sources There are a variety of sources you can use to conduct research on a specific topic. See below for a list of resources that are available to you when writing a research paper: encyclopedias – a source of thousands of facts about a various topics in an alphabetized set of books or housed in an online format biographical references – resources that provide information about a person’s life; these could be books, magazine articles, interviews, news reports, etc. almanacs – annual reference books of useful and interesting facts relating to countries of the world, sports, entertainment, etc. dictionaries the Internet – allows individuals to access a wide range of websites, videos, articles, and media media – newspapers, radio, television, interviews, periodicals that document current and past events abstracts – a summary of a text, scientific article, document, speech, etc. Determine which types of sources will be most beneficial to you when writing your research paper. Use multiple sources to ensure you have a variety of information about the topic before you begin writing.
It is important to use a combination of primary and secondary sources when conducting research for a paper. Primary sources provide direct evidence or firsthand accounts of a subject, while secondary sources analyze and interpret primary sources.
Some examples of primary sources include:
- Literary works: Novels, poems, plays, and other creative works that were written during the time period being studied.
- Scientific reports: Research papers, studies, and experiments conducted by scientists in the field.
- Newspaper articles: Original articles published in newspapers at the time.
- Speeches: Transcripts or recordings of speeches given by influential figures.
- Manuscripts: Handwritten documents or letters written by relevant individuals.
- Autobiographies: Personal accounts written by individuals about their own lives.
Secondary sources, on the other hand, provide analysis, interpretation, or commentary on primary sources. Examples of secondary sources include:
- Literary criticism: Books or articles that analyze and interpret literary works.
- Reviews: Evaluations and analyses of a book, movie, play, or other creative work.
- Textbooks: Books that provide an overview and analysis of a particular subject.
- History books: Books that provide information and analysis on historical events.
When conducting research, it is also important to consider a variety of other resources, such as encyclopedias, biographical references, almanacs, dictionaries, the internet, media sources (newspapers, radio, television), abstracts, and more. These resources can provide additional information or context on a topic.
As you gather information, it is recommended to use multiple sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject. This will help you write a well-rounded and well-supported research paper. If you need assistance in finding relevant primary and secondary sources, consulting a librarian can be helpful as they are trained to assist with research inquiries.