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Evaluate Information

A how-to guide covering topics related to the evaluation of information.

Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Sources

Primary sources are original works, objects, or materials that come directly from people who have direct contact with it. 

Examples:

  • Data setspersonal data and research
  • Diaries
  • Letters
  • Photographs
  • Interviews
  • Original Research

 

Secondary sources are one step beyond primary sources. They often use a primary source in their works and provide an analyses or interpretation of the primary source information.

Examples:

  • Journal articlesanalyzing data
  • Books, textbooks
  • Interpretation of data
  • Documentaries

 

Tertiary sources are general summaries of information that compile varieties of sources together. Citations are generally provided depending on the depth of the information. They index, abstract, organize, compile, or digest other sources.

Examples:

  • Reference materialsthree authors into 1 source
  • Encyclopedias
  • Wikipedia
  • Dictionaries
  • Some textbooks