32:
640:
A newspaper report is normally considered to be a secondary source, since it will report more than has been witnessed by the journalist directly and the journalist will apply some judgment to the use of sources. However, historians often consider an old newspaper report to be a primary source, since
792:
to a particular viewpoint. In contentious cases, providing a citation of a high-quality secondary source that quotes the primary source in the same way is essential to show that an article is not giving the selected quote undue weight. If no such secondary sources can be found, this is an indication
666:
In the sciences, original contributions which disclose new data or ideas, and thereby establish priority of discovery, are called primary publications or primary literature. A primary publication may include new experimental data and results, for which it is clearly a primary source. It may include
662:
of
Abelard and Heloise, is itself a primary source. However, the notes or commentary to that edition or translation, which present the editor's or translator's interpretation of the text, are secondary sources. Similarly, a commentary or a "behind the scenes" documentary is a secondary source on a
1022:
Further examples include archeological artifacts, census results, video or transcripts of surveillance, public hearings, trials, or interviews; tabulated results of surveys or questionnaires; original philosophical works; religious scripture; and artistic and fictional works such as poems, scripts,
679:
Sometimes it is difficult to decide if a particular source is primary or secondary. Maybe you are pretty sure that it is primary but someone else is arguing that it is secondary. On these occasions, it is best to this is a guideline on how to apply other policies and guidelines, most importantly
1000:
Various professional fields treat the distinction between primary and secondary sources in differing fashions. Some fields and references also further distinguish between secondary and tertiary sources. Primary, secondary and tertiary sources are broadly defined here for the purposes of
Knowledge
725:
based on any source: primary, secondary or tertiary; and in all cases this should be avoided. However, particular care should be taken with primary sources because it is easy to misuse them. Most statements of fact or opinion come ultimately from primary sources, via analysis, interpretation or
591:
are at least one step removed from an event. They rely for their material on primary sources, often making analytic, synthetic, interpretive, explanatory, or evaluative claims. Secondary sources include books, newspaper reports, reviews of films etc. and many academic papers, although this always
1049:
offers this definition: "Primary sources enable the researcher to get as close as possible to what actually happened during an historical event or time period. Primary sources were either created during the time period being studied, or were created at a later date by a participant in the events
582:
are very close to an event, often accounts written by people who are directly involved, offering an insider's view of an event, a period of history, a work of art, a political decision, and so on. An account of a traffic accident written by a witness is a primary source of information about the
768:
to the views and experiences of an editor who selects specific statements from a body of primary sources for inclusion in an article. Secondary sources often have a wider perspective since they will analyse many primary sources or seek to put a single primary source into a wider context.
1076:
notes that a secondary source "analyzes and interprets primary sources", is a "second-hand account of an historical event" or "interprets creative work". It also states that a secondary source "analyzes and interprets research results" or "analyzes and interprets scientific
804:
When citing a secondary source quoting a primary source, it is good practice is to verify that the secondary source is quoting the primary source correctly, and to add an ancillary citation to the primary source itself. If you can not find the original primary source,
701:. In the case of the general notability guideline, although it mentions secondary sources as part of the explanation, it more prominently states that sources should be independent of the subject. Think about whether the source is independent of the subject.
50:
671:. This part of the work analyses and interprets the experimental data, which implies that it is secondary, but it is still the work of the original author and may lack a wider perspective, which implies that it is primary.
833:
239:
566:
of the latter deals with primary, secondary, and tertiary sources. In the event of inconsistency between the policies and this page, the policies take priority, and this page should be updated to reflect them.
612:
that mainly summarize secondary sources. Knowledge (XXG) is a tertiary source. Many introductory undergraduate-level textbooks are regarded as tertiary sources because they sum up multiple secondary sources.
966:
Encyclopedia articles on primary, secondary and tertiary sources. N.B. These deal with these sources in a general context whereas this proposed guideline deals with them in the context of
Knowledge (XXG):
547:
claims, which must be referenced to a specific source that makes the same claim or analysis. It is not proper to rely on original analysis of the primary-source material by
Knowledge (XXG) editors.
543:
on published secondary sources and, to a lesser extent, on tertiary sources. In theory, primary sources may also be used. Reliance on primary sources can lead to interpretive clambs, analyses, or
128:
550:
Appropriate sourcing can be a complicated issue, and these are general rules. Deciding whether primary, secondary or tertiary sources are more suitable on any given occasion is a matter of
309:
744:
Unsourced material obtained from a
Wikipedian's personal experience, such as an unpublished eyewitness account, should not be added to articles. It would violate the policies on both
898:
215:
950:
784:
Quoting from a primary source is often problematic. It is easy to quote primary sources selectively, out of context, or in other ways that are inappropriate and constitute
386:
286:
741:
Original research does not include describing the contents of a primary source in a way that can be verified by a reasonable, educated person without specialist knowledge.
667:
analysis and summary of previous work, which is clearly a secondary source on that work. It may include analysis and interpretation of the new results, which is more of a
856:
that are independent of the subject, it is presumed to satisfy the inclusion criteria for a stand-alone article. Such independent sources will be secondary or tertiary.
395:
644:
For an article about a work of fiction, the only primary source is the work itself. Comments on the work by its author are secondary (but not independent) sources.
852:. For example, a book can not establish the notability of itself or its author. The general guideline is that if a topic has received significant coverage in
1064:
defines "secondary source" as "a work that interprets or analyzes an historical event or phenomenon. It is generally at least one step removed from the event".
726:
synthesis. When these statements are made in
Knowledge (XXG), they should be cited to a source that states the same facts or opinions, rather than relying on
123:
1034:, such as autobiographies, diaries, e-mail, interviews, letters, minutes, news film footage, official records, photographs, raw research data, and speeches;
653:
652:
Some sources can not be categorised as entirely primary, secondary or tertiary. A published edition or translation of a primary source, such as Newton's
90:
633:
960:
908:
853:
367:
933:
637:. Similarly, a book review in a newspaper is a secondary source on the book and its author but a primary source on the newspaper and the reviewer.
511:
263:
191:
776:. These secondary publications are designed to take many primary publications into account, giving each piece of evidence an appropriate weight.
704:
If the issue is original research, it is possible to create original research based on any source: primary, secondary or tertiary. Think about
1124:
409:
332:
886:
be used as secondary or tertiary sources. Knowledge (XXG) articles are sometimes used as primary sources in articles about
Knowledge (XXG).
346:
54:
1089:
states simply that: "Secondary sources are works of synthesis and interpretation based upon primary sources and the work of other authors."
300:
39:
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351:
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461:
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447:
416:
291:
254:
234:
150:
118:
113:
76:
575:
For the purposes of
Knowledge (XXG) policies and guidelines, primary, secondary and tertiary sources are defined as follows:
404:
140:
103:
49:
for its implementation was not established within a reasonable period of time. If you want to revive discussion, please use
1074:
Borough of
Manhattan Community College, A. Philip Randolph Memorial Library, "Research Help:Primary vs. Secondary Sources"
806:
735:
376:
227:
210:
81:
504:
341:
249:
222:
621:
Whether a source is primary, secondary or tertiary can depend on the topic that an article is covering. For example,
829:
554:
and good editorial judgment, and should be discussed on article talk pages. The policies that deal with sourcing are
319:
314:
205:
200:
1104:
1050:
being studied (as in the case of memoirs) and they reflect the individual viewpoint of a participant or observer."
880:
749:
555:
540:
155:
622:
798:
789:
765:
761:
738:
can be found for such a citation, the statement is original research and should not be made in
Knowledge (XXG).
532:
478:
276:
764:
to particular observations or the views and experiences of the author of the primary source. It can also give
381:
497:
1023:
screenplays, novels, motion pictures, videos, and television programs. For definitions of primary sources:
849:
685:
536:
421:
178:
145:
482:
426:
135:
46:
486:
438:
433:
836:
in Knowledge (XXG); but if such a source is out of copyright, it may be appropriate to include it in
1030:
define primary sources as providing "an inside view of a particular event". They offer as examples:
281:
1061:
1046:
551:
1102:, November 1968, pp. 1–2; reprinted in Herbert Stegemann and Barbara Gastel, "Council Classics",
731:
596:. For the purposes of Knowledge (XXG), some publications, including many scientific papers, are
544:
976:
563:
981:
480:
1027:
692:
971:
1086:
899:
Knowledge (XXG):Manual of Style (writing about fiction)#Primary and secondary information
809:. i.e. if you have seen only the secondary source, your citation should be of the form
17:
627:
470:
1118:
859:
N.B. Being secondary or tertiary is not a guarantee of independence. See the essays
773:
760:
Primary sources often have a very narrow perspective. Using primary sources can give
1010:
881:
Knowledge (XXG) and sources that mirror or source information from Knowledge (XXG)
894:
Guidance on the use of primary and secondary sources for articles about fiction:
772:
Particular examples of this, in scientific publishing, are synthesis reports and
752:, and would cause Knowledge (XXG) to become a primary source for that material.
1073:
837:
609:
708:
and whether the addition being proposed is actually original research.
659:
539:
of topics covered by Knowledge (XXG). Knowledge (XXG) articles should
535:
to particular observations, views or experiences, and to establish the
904:
A guideline dealing with a different aspect of source categorisation:
1013:
provides typical examples of primary, secondary and tertiary sources.
879:
Knowledge (XXG), as an encyclopedia, is a tertiary source. However,
817:
If you have seen both sources, your citations should be of the form
1098:
Ellsworth B. Cook, "Proposed Definition of A Primary Publication",
583:
accident. Historical documents such as diaries are primary sources.
734:
of primary or other sources by Knowledge (XXG) editors. Where no
527:
may all be used in Knowledge (XXG). Care must be taken to avoid
1042:, such as buildings, clothing, DNA, furniture, jewelry, pottery.
688:. Do not worry too much if the source is primary or secondary.
871:
for the views of some Knowledge (XXG) editors on this subject.
484:
487:
26:
956:
For questions about the reliability of a particular source:
848:
A primary source on a topic can not establish the topic's
914:
Two essays on a further aspect of source categorisation:
631:
but it would be a primary source if used for the article
1038:, such as art, drama, films, music, novels, poetry; and
834:
Do not include the full text of lengthy primary sources
951:
Knowledge (XXG):Primary Secondary and Tertiary Sources
946:
An earlier attempt to establish a guideline on PSTS:
929:Essays on primary, secondary and tertiary sources:
832:by providing page numbers or similar information.
936:– strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
663:motion picture, even if they are on the same DVD.
597:
608:are publications such as encyclopedias or other
706:what original research means in Knowledge (XXG)
712:Use of primary, secondary and tertiary sources
641:it is much closer to the event than they are.
571:Categorising as primary, secondary or tertiary
505:
8:
1108:, March–April 2009, Vol 32, No 2, pp. 57–8.
961:Knowledge (XXG):Reliable sources/Noticeboard
909:Knowledge (XXG):Identifying reliable sources
598:partly a primary source and partly secondary
623:the summary for policy makers from the IPCC
1062:University of California, Berkeley library
1047:University of California, Berkeley library
512:
498:
270:
97:
63:
695:and any area-specific guidelines such as
634:Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
1011:This University of Maryland library page
691:If the issue is notability, look at the
993:
934:Knowledge (XXG):Sources – SWOT analysis
525:Primary, secondary and tertiary sources
469:
446:
394:
366:
331:
299:
262:
190:
163:
89:
66:
625:is a secondary source for the article
387:Deletion guidelines for administrators
1100:Council of Biology Editors Newsletter
942:– Further examples and considerations
7:
1028:University of Nevada, Reno Libraries
830:allow the quoted section to be found
801:problems that need to be addressed.
924:Knowledge (XXG):Third-party sources
919:Knowledge (XXG):Independent sources
940:Knowledge (XXG):Evaluating sources
25:
1125:Knowledge (XXG) failed proposals
1087:The National History Day website
30:
668:
1:
821:Source A, quoted in Source B.
813:Source A, quoted in Source B.
648:Complex source categorisation
130:Don't disrupt to make a point
730:analysis, interpretation or
693:general notability guideline
593:
531:by editors, to avoid giving
310:Categories, lists, templates
875:Knowledge (XXG) as a source
151:Other behavioral guidelines
1141:
793:that the article contains
68:Knowledge (XXG) guidelines
721:It is possible to create
156:WMF friendly space policy
292:Other editing guidelines
255:Other content guidelines
124:Don't bite the newcomers
53:or initiate a thread at
18:Knowledge (XXG):PSTSPROP
780:Quoting primary sources
698:WP:Notability (books)
684:and the guideline on
240:Don't copy long texts
682:no original research
560:No original research
174:Talk page guidelines
109:Conflict of interest
1040:relics or artifacts
868:Third party sources
862:Independent sources
828:For large sources,
245:Don't create hoaxes
1032:original documents
457:Naming conventions
235:Offensive material
119:Disruptive editing
114:Courtesy vanishing
977:Secondary sources
795:original research
786:original research
746:original research
723:original research
717:Original research
589:Secondary sources
529:original research
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104:Assume good faith
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854:reliable sources
606:Tertiary sources
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377:Deletion process
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211:Reliable sources
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55:the village pump
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592:depends on the
580:Primary sources
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396:Project content
342:Manual of Style
250:Patent nonsense
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223:Fringe theories
129:
77:Guidelines list
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564:this section
552:common sense
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533:undue weight
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410:WikiProjects
277:Article size
37:
680:the policy
382:Speedy keep
165:Discussions
850:notability
844:Notability
838:Wikisource
686:notability
675:Grey areas
537:notability
462:Notability
427:User boxes
422:User pages
179:Signatures
146:User pages
91:Behavioral
38:This is a
824:Source A.
732:synthesis
669:grey area
655:Principia
610:compendia
545:synthetic
434:Shortcuts
417:Templates
136:Etiquette
47:Consensus
42:proposal.
1119:Category
890:See also
788:or give
728:original
439:Subpages
368:Deletion
347:contents
216:medicine
884:may not
660:Letters
658:or the
617:Context
594:context
282:Be bold
264:Editing
192:Content
1001:(XXG).
471:Search
357:tables
40:failed
988:Notes
448:Other
352:lists
333:Style
1045:The
1026:The
865:and
797:and
748:and
558:and
541:rely
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562:;
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