Primary versus secondary sources

Step 1 — Read the observation: A contemporary letter records its writer's experience. Step 2 — Recall the relevant idea: A primary source was created in the period or experience being studied. Step 3 — Connect the observation to the idea: The scenario is an illustration of primary source. Step 4 — Check the limit: This short scenario illustrates the concept; it does not establish every detail or exclude every other influence in a real situation.

Step 1 — Read the observation: A historian's later book analyzes archived correspondence. Step 2 — Recall the relevant idea: A secondary source interprets earlier evidence from a later standpoint. Step 3 — Connect the observation to the idea: The scenario is an illustration of secondary source. Step 4 — Check the limit: This short scenario illustrates the concept; it does not establish every detail or exclude every other influence in a real situation.

Step 1 — Read the observation: A researcher traces where a document came from. Step 2 — Recall the relevant idea: Provenance identifies a source's origin and transmission history. Step 3 — Connect the observation to the idea: The scenario is an illustration of provenance. Step 4 — Check the limit: This short scenario illustrates the concept; it does not establish every detail or exclude every other influence in a real situation.

Step 1 — Read the observation: A public speech differs from a private letter. Step 2 — Recall the relevant idea: An intended audience shapes what a writer emphasizes or omits. Step 3 — Connect the observation to the idea: The scenario is an illustration of audience. Step 4 — Check the limit: This short scenario illustrates the concept; it does not establish every detail or exclude every other influence in a real situation.

Step 1 — Read the observation: Two participants describe the same event differently. Step 2 — Recall the relevant idea: Perspective reflects a source creator's position and experience. Step 3 — Connect the observation to the idea: The scenario is an illustration of perspective. Step 4 — Check the limit: This short scenario illustrates the concept; it does not establish every detail or exclude every other influence in a real situation.

Step 1 — Read the observation: A letter is checked against other contemporary records. Step 2 — Recall the relevant idea: Corroboration compares independent evidence to assess a claim. Step 3 — Connect the observation to the idea: The scenario is an illustration of corroboration. Step 4 — Check the limit: This short scenario illustrates the concept; it does not establish every detail or exclude every other influence in a real situation.