Primary Sources -- In literature, the primary source is the work which you are studying. It is an original work of literature, and does not analyze, interpret or evaluate another work of literature. Here are examples of primary sources:
Secondary Sources -- These works analyze and interpret primary sources. Here are examples of secondary sources:
This video will give you more examples:
In scholarly research, it is important to use high quality sources. Many professors will require you to use "scholarly sources" because there are more credible than popular magazines or most websites. What's the difference?
Most research databases label articles as being published in either a scholarly journal/academic journal or a popular magazine/magazine/newspaper.
Scholarly/ "Peer Reviewed"/Academic Journals |
Popular magazines & newspapers |
Articles written by experts in their fields of study |
Articles written by journalists |
Reports on in-depth research and analysis |
Written for entertainment or general information |
Author’s credentials and affiliation stated. Usually a university or research institution. |
Writer may or may not be identified |
Has extensive citations and references |
Might mention information sources in text or suggestions for additional reading. |
Watch this video to find out more....