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FAQ

The Question

what is a secondary source?

Our Answer

A secondary source is a source of information that is written after the fact with the benefit of hindsight. Think of a secondary source as an interpretation and/or evaluation of primary information. Secondary information is not evidence, but rather commentary on and discussion of evidence. Examples are:

  • Biographies
  • Books
  • Commentaries
  • Dissertations
  • Indexes, Abstracts, Bibliographies (used to locate primary & secondary sources)
  • Journal Articles



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