The process of engaging in research necessitates looking at, hearing and reading information from a variety of external sources. Good research is based off of the work of others, giving credit where credit is due. It is of significant importance that, when evaluating whether or not to use a source, the researcher identify what kind of source it is. This is one way of deciding whether or not a
. source will be of value in the research and to what extent the information can be considered to be factual.There are two major types of sources. These are primary and secondary sources. Where possible, primary sources are more desirable. These sorts of sources are those which provide direct information about whatever the subject is. This includes but is not limited to: diaries, speeches, autobiographies, letters, poetry, novels, art, and tangible products such as buildings or crafted objects. The unique relationship which these sorts of documents and products of the time have with the subject of interest "" particularly being directly related to or the product of an event, person, or time period "" are the reason why primary sources are considered to be more valuable in research.Secondary sources, on the other hand, tend to be repositories for such information. This can include textbooks, encyclopedias, analytic or descriptive articles about a primary source or using primary source as well as critiques and commentaries. Invariably the research being conducted will become part of the body of work about a subject which falls under the category of a secondary source.While it was stated that primary sources are more desirable, that is not to say that secondary sources are not of value. Secondary sources often provide valuable insight into the meaning of primary sources as well as aiding the researcher in locating primary sources. In all cases, any source should be evaluated for its contribution to the available knowledge and its utility as an accurate and viable resource in the research process. More reference links: http://www.princeton.edu/~refdesk/primary2.html http://www.archives.state.al.us/activity/actvty06.html
