What are Secondary Sources?
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In History, Secondary sources are interpretations and evaluations of primary sources. They are not direct evidence, but are commentary on and discussion of primary evidence. Books, articles, blog posts, documentary films, newspaper commentary etc. which use primary evidence as their sources would be considered secondary.
A book based on research is considered as a monograph - a work concentrating on a single topic, rather than a book which examines the whole field. Learned journals are usually where you can find the most up-to-date research in any field. Journals are published by teams of academics and contain the latest research by historians. Journal articles are usually peer-reviewed before being accepted so can be trusted. Edited volumes are also important secondary sources. They are collections of articles, usually on a theme. |
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How do I use Secondary Sources?
Secondary sources are often consulted first by students when researching a new topic, usually after initial research from textbooks and the internet. Being regarded as authorities in their fields, secondary sources by historians are useful in helping us to understand how primary sources can be interpreted and how different viewpoints can emerge. They help us build a picture of the historiography of a topic.
Secondary sources will therefore provide the bulk of academic research for a typical history essay. However the claims within secondary sources shouldn't be accepted automatically and without question. They should be read critically and analytically, applying the same source evaluation skills as you would with primary sources.
Secondary sources will therefore provide the bulk of academic research for a typical history essay. However the claims within secondary sources shouldn't be accepted automatically and without question. They should be read critically and analytically, applying the same source evaluation skills as you would with primary sources.
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For example, always consider the implications of the publication dates of secondary sources. Newer interpretations are not always better, and reading sources from various decades will give you an appreciate of how historical perspectives have changed. Also, consider the logic of an author's argument. What evidence does he or she use to support their thesis? Does the author make unsupported claims? Too many hasty generalisations? Finally, consider the context in which it was written. Does the author have any political or institutional affiliations?
How do I find Secondary Sources?
Secondary sources are most obviously found in historians' monographs in libraries. Specialist bookstores also sell the latest academic publications of historians. Increasingly, many books are being digitised and can be found on internet archives. Journal articles are also now predominantly found on the internet within databases like jstor. Use the suggested links below to help you locate secondary sources such as journal articles, magazine articles, monographs, edited volumes, websites and other review articles: