What are primary secondary and tertiary sources?
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources. Sources of information or evidence are often categorized as primary, secondary, or tertiary material. These classifications are based on the originality of the material and the proximity of the source or origin.
Are encyclopedias tertiary sources?
For example, while encyclopedias are typically considered tertiary sources, a research paper focusing on the development of encyclopedic writing since 1900 might use encyclopedia entries as direct evidence and therefore as primary sources. Am I analyzing the source itself or using it for background information?
Should I cite tertiary sources in my research paper?
For these reasons, you likely won’t cite tertiary sources in your research paper, but you might still use them behind the scenes in your research. Use tertiary sources in the beginning stages of your research process to:
What is an example of a primary source for Literature?
For example, a primary source for literature would include writings, speeches, and other direct communications from the author of the work being studied. A researcher doing a critical analysis of the influence of folk literature on J.R.R.