How can you tell if a picture is a primary source document or a secondary source document?
A picture that is a primary source document is either a photograph or a picture drawn by an observer of the event.
A secondary source picture would be a picture drawn by someone who only heard about the event.
Primary sources are from people who actually witnessed the event.
To determine if a picture is a primary or secondary source document, you need to understand the difference between the two types of sources.
1. Primary source document: A primary source is a firsthand account or original piece of evidence created at the time of the event or period being studied. It provides direct information and is often created by someone who directly experienced or witnessed the event. Examples of primary sources include diaries, letters, photographs taken by individuals during the event, oral histories, and original artifacts.
2. Secondary source document: A secondary source is created after the event or period being studied and provides interpretation or analysis of primary sources. These sources are generally created by historians, scholars, or researchers who have examined primary sources and offered their perspectives. Examples of secondary sources include books, articles, documentaries, and scholarly papers.
Now, to determine if a picture is a primary or secondary source document, consider the following steps:
1. Investigate the origin: Find information about the picture's origin and the context in which it was created. If it was taken or created by someone who was present at the time of the event or period being studied, it is likely a primary source. If it was produced later, it is more likely a secondary source.
2. Examine the content: Analyze the content of the picture itself. Does it capture a firsthand experience or offer direct evidence of the event? Does it show a unique perspective not found in other sources? If so, it is likely a primary source. However, if the picture is a reproduction, a reinterpretation, or relies heavily on other written sources, it may be a secondary source.
3. Cross-reference with other sources: Compare the picture with other primary and secondary sources. If the picture aligns with other primary sources from the same time period and adds to your understanding of the event or period, it is most likely a primary source. But if it mainly supports or illustrates information found in secondary sources, it is likely a secondary source itself.
By considering the origin, content, and cross-referencing the picture with other sources, you can determine whether a picture is a primary or secondary source document.