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Methodology
Published on January 20, 2023 by Tegan George . Revised on January 12, 2024.
Secondary research is a research method that uses data that was collected by someone else. In other words, whenever you conduct research using data that already exists, you are conducting secondary research. On the other hand, any type of research that you undertake yourself is called primary research .
Secondary research can be qualitative or quantitative in nature. It often uses data gathered from published peer-reviewed papers, meta-analyses, or government or private sector databases and datasets.
When to use secondary research, types of secondary research, examples of secondary research, advantages and disadvantages of secondary research, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions.
Secondary research is a very common research method, used in lieu of collecting your own primary data. It is often used in research designs or as a way to start your research process if you plan to conduct primary research later on.
Since it is often inexpensive or free to access, secondary research is a low-stakes way to determine if further primary research is needed, as gaps in secondary research are a strong indication that primary research is necessary. For this reason, while secondary research can theoretically be exploratory or explanatory in nature, it is usually explanatory: aiming to explain the causes and consequences of a well-defined problem.
Secondary research can take many forms, but the most common types are:
Literature reviews, case studies, content analysis.
There is ample data available online from a variety of sources, often in the form of datasets. These datasets are often open-source or downloadable at a low cost, and are ideal for conducting statistical analyses such as hypothesis testing or regression analysis .
Credible sources for existing data include:
A literature review is a survey of preexisting scholarly sources on your topic. It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing you to identify relevant themes, debates, and gaps in the research you analyze. You can later apply these to your own work, or use them as a jumping-off point to conduct primary research of your own.
Structured much like a regular academic paper (with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion), a literature review is a great way to evaluate the current state of research and demonstrate your knowledge of the scholarly debates around your topic.
A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject. It is usually qualitative in nature and can focus on a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. A case study is a great way to utilize existing research to gain concrete, contextual, and in-depth knowledge about your real-world subject.
You can choose to focus on just one complex case, exploring a single subject in great detail, or examine multiple cases if you’d prefer to compare different aspects of your topic. Preexisting interviews , observational studies , or other sources of primary data make for great case studies.
Content analysis is a research method that studies patterns in recorded communication by utilizing existing texts. It can be either quantitative or qualitative in nature, depending on whether you choose to analyze countable or measurable patterns, or more interpretive ones. Content analysis is popular in communication studies, but it is also widely used in historical analysis, anthropology, and psychology to make more semantic qualitative inferences.
Secondary research is a broad research approach that can be pursued any way you’d like. Here are a few examples of different ways you can use secondary research to explore your research topic .
Secondary research is a very common research approach, but has distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages include:
Disadvantages include:
Many researchers using the same secondary research to form similar conclusions can also take away from the uniqueness and reliability of your research. Many datasets become “kitchen-sink” models, where too many variables are added in an attempt to draw increasingly niche conclusions from overused data . Data cleansing may be necessary to test the quality of the research.
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If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Research bias
A systematic review is secondary research because it uses existing research. You don’t collect new data yourself.
The research methods you use depend on the type of data you need to answer your research question .
Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.
Quantitative methods allow you to systematically measure variables and test hypotheses . Qualitative methods allow you to explore concepts and experiences in more detail.
We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.
George, T. (2024, January 12). What is Secondary Research? | Definition, Types, & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 19, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/secondary-research/
Largan, C., & Morris, T. M. (2019). Qualitative Secondary Research: A Step-By-Step Guide (1st ed.). SAGE Publications Ltd.
Peloquin, D., DiMaio, M., Bierer, B., & Barnes, M. (2020). Disruptive and avoidable: GDPR challenges to secondary research uses of data. European Journal of Human Genetics , 28 (6), 697–705. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-020-0596-x
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Updated 02 Sep 2024
Navigating the vast sea of information available for academic research can be daunting. Yet, the ability to accurately identify and utilize sources is foundational to successful scholarly work. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, shedding light on their importance, differences, and how to use them effectively in research. Understanding these sources is crucial whether you're a seasoned academic or a student embarking on your first research project.
In the vast realm of academic research, we rely on various sources—documents, artifacts, scholarly analyses, and more—to build our knowledge. These sources are categorized into primary, secondary, and tertiary, each playing a crucial role in supporting research claims and arguments. Primary sources provide direct, unfiltered evidence related to our research topic, offering firsthand insights. These sources explain primary sources by providing original, first-hand accounts of events or periods, emphasizing their authoritative nature. Secondary sources interpret and analyze primary data, helping us contextualize and understand raw information. Tertiary sources compile and summarize data from primary and secondary sources, offering overviews that help frame our research.
This guide aims to clarify these categories by providing clear definitions and examples, enabling researchers to identify, use, and explain primary, secondary, and tertiary sources effectively. Understanding these distinctions is not just about academic rigor but about enriching research with diverse perspectives and solid evidence. Each type of source contributes uniquely to constructing scholarly narratives and strengthening research arguments.
Let’s dive in and empower ourselves with the tools to enhance the quality and impact of our academic pursuits!
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Think of primary sources as the eyewitnesses of history, providing a direct connection to events, practices, and conditions from bygone days. They provide first-hand accounts of events, practices, and conditions from bygone days. These sources include direct accounts from the people involved, offering invaluable perspectives on historical events. These sources are like treasure troves because they offer direct evidence that researchers can use to back up their ideas and stories.
So, what are these primary sources? Well, they come in various forms:
Original Documents : Imagine old letters, diaries, and legal contracts. These are like time capsules—they take us straight back to the thoughts, feelings, and events experienced by people in the past.
Creative Works : Think paintings, music, and literature. These artistic expressions give us glimpses into the hearts and minds of those who created them.
Relics and Artifacts : Pottery, tools, clothing—these physical remnants connect us to ancient times. They’re like bridges between then and now.
But primary sources do more than provide evidence. They’re the threads that weave the fabric of historical narratives. When we engage with them, we:
Explore Nuances : Dive into the details of historical events. What were people really thinking? How did they experience life?
Understand Perspectives : Walk in their shoes. See the world through their eyes. It’s like time travel with empathy.
Craft Authentic Narratives : By piecing together these first-hand accounts, we create stories that breathe with authenticity.
So, next time you encounter a primary source, remember: it’s not just about facts; it’s about understanding our shared human journey.
Imagine secondary sources as the friendly interpreters and commentators of history. They don’t just present facts; they add layers of understanding. Let’s break it down:
These are like the tour guides of the research world.
They analyze, summarize, and critique primary sources.
Unlike primary sources (those direct evidence folks), secondary sources help us make sense of the raw data.
Understanding whether a source is primary or secondary can vary based on the context and specific topic being researched.
Critiques : Think of them as thoughtful reviews.
Commentaries : Like having a chat with a knowledgeable friend.
Histories and Biographies : Stories that bring the past to life.
Scientific Reviews : The nerdy detectives who dissect research.
Secondary sources put primary data in context.
They connect individual puzzle pieces to big ideas.
By weaving these insights together, we enrich academic conversations.
Blend primary evidence with secondary analysis.
Voilà! We build new knowledge and challenge old ideas.
So, next time you encounter a secondary source, give it a nod—it’s quietly shaping the world of research!
A tertiary source is any source that takes information from various resources and lists or summarizes it.
It is one of the source types that can support your research paper, along with primary and secondary resources. Understanding how primary and secondary sources differ will help you understand tertiary sources. While primary resources offer information from an original source, secondary ones state information received from the primary sources. Research papers, interviews, videos, and statistical data are examples of primary sources; articles or books are usually considered secondary sources.
Unlike primary and secondary resources, tertiary ones do not provide insights or original information; they simply state facts and summarize other resources.
Here are a few tertiary sources examples:
Encyclopedias as they give structured information on a certain subject;
Directories list words and their definitions;
Guidebooks collect information from various resources;
Bibliographies list the resources used in research papers or studies.
Primary and secondary sources differ from tertiary. An example of the primary resource can be a dissertation, article, photograph, or interview ─ everything that comes from the first hand and expresses an opinion. Secondary sources mostly include scholarly articles, reviews, and criticisms ─ pieces of content that talk about the work of others or evaluate it.
When evaluating a source, ask yourself if it simply summarizes or lists information without offering any interpretation or analysis. If the answer is yes, then the source is likely a tertiary source. Tertiary sources are characterized by their objective nature; they compile and condense information from primary and secondary sources without adding any original insights or opinions.
The key aspect of a tertiary source is its focus on providing an organized overview or summary, rather than engaging with the material critically. These sources are meant to serve as reference points, offering a broad, factual overview of a topic without delving into interpretation.
Examples of tertiary sources include encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs, and indexes. For instance, an encyclopedia entry might present a concise summary of a historical event, listing key dates and facts without discussing the significance or impact of the event. Similarly, a dictionary definition provides the meaning of a term without exploring its usage or implications.
In essence, tertiary sources are useful for getting a straightforward understanding of a subject, but they should not be relied upon for in-depth research or critical analysis, as they do not provide the insights or evaluations found in primary and secondary sources.
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Book | Original manuscript of a novel | |
Painting | Original artwork | |
Letters and diaries of Martin Luther King Jr. | Personal letters | |
Essay by Aristotle | Philosophical treatise | |
Photographs of September 11, 2001 | Historical photographs | |
Government documents about disability rights | Legislative records | |
Music recordings | Original music compositions | |
Opinion survey | Raw survey data | |
Empirical study on violence in California | Original research data | |
Analysis of the book in a magazine | Literary criticism in an article | |
Description of the painting in a book | Art history book | |
Biography of Martin Luther King Jr. | Scholarly biography | |
Textbook with analysis of Aristotle's ideas | Academic textbook | |
Documentary about New York | Film interpreting events | |
Newspaper discussing changes to this law | News article | |
A textbook that teaches how to play the piano | Educational guide | |
Online blog post discussing results of the survey | Blog post | |
Literature review citing this study | Academic literature review | |
Encyclopedia entry | Overview of different novels | |
Bibliography | List of sources on art history | |
Index | Index to letters and diaries of Martin Luther King Jr. | |
Abstract | Summary of Aristotle's essay | |
Historical chronologies | Timeline of September 11 events | |
Factbook | Compendium of government documents | |
Music theory guide | Summarization of different music recordings | |
Data analysis report | Overview of survey findings | |
Meta-analysis of violence studies | Synthesis of multiple studies |
Identifying whether a source is primary, secondary, or tertiary is a crucial step in the research process, requiring careful consideration of several factors. Primary sources are firsthand accounts or original artifacts, such as diaries, interviews, or original research, created by eyewitnesses or first recorders of an event. Secondary sources, like textbooks, reviews, or critiques, offer analyses or interpretations of primary sources. Tertiary sources compile and summarize information from primary and secondary sources, such as encyclopedias, bibliographies, or indexes, providing overviews rather than original insights.
Diaries, original research, interviews | Created by someone directly involved in the events or firsthand accounts; close in time to the events. | |
Textbooks, reviews, analyses | Provides interpretation, critique, or analysis of primary sources; created after the event with the benefit of hindsight. | |
Encyclopedias, bibliographies, indexes | Compiles and summarizes information from primary and secondary sources; provides overviews or general information. |
Understanding the origin, authorship, and context of a source is key to determining whether it is primary, secondary, or tertiary. This nuanced approach ensures that researchers accurately classify and effectively utilize sources in their work, enhancing the depth and credibility of their research.
The art of integrating primary, secondary, and tertiary sources into academic research is essential for creating a well-rounded and credible scholarly work. Primary sources often reflect original thinking, showcasing innovative ideas and discoveries that form the foundation of original analysis. Secondary sources offer interpretations and contextualization, enriching the understanding of primary data within broader scholarly discussions. Tertiary sources, such as encyclopedias and bibliographies, compile and summarize information from primary and secondary sources, providing overviews that help frame research within a larger context.
Critical evaluation of all three types of sources is vital to effective research. This involves questioning the reliability, perspective, and potential biases of each source to construct a well-rounded argument. Proper citation practices ensure the ethical use of these sources, acknowledging original authors' contributions and maintaining the scholarly work's integrity. Utilizing a balanced combination of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources enhances the depth and credibility of academic research, supporting a robust and well-supported analysis.
Accessing primary, secondary, and tertiary sources presents unique challenges in research. Primary sources, especially historical or rare documents, may be difficult to obtain due to their fragile condition or limited availability, even with digital archives improving accessibility. Secondary sources, while more readily accessible, require careful selection and evaluation due to the vast volume of material available, particularly online. Tertiary sources, although they provide valuable overviews and summaries, may lack depth and require validation against more detailed primary and secondary sources. Researchers must critically assess the reliability and relevance of all source types while navigating the complexities of the digital information landscape.
The effective use of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources is fundamental to academic research. This guide has aimed to clarify these categories, highlighting the importance of distinguishing among them, understanding their distinct roles, and integrating them thoughtfully into scholarly work. The true value of research lies not only in the sources themselves but in the researcher's ability to engage with these sources critically, ethically, and insightfully. By carefully selecting, evaluating, and citing sources, researchers contribute to the ongoing scholarly conversation, ensuring the integrity and vitality of academic research. As the information landscape continues to evolve, mastering these skills remains essential for the pursuit of knowledge.
What is the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources?
Primary sources are original, firsthand documents or evidence. Secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources. Tertiary sources compile and summarize information from primary and secondary sources.
Why is it important to properly cite sources in academic research?
Proper citation ensures that original authors are credited, helps avoid plagiarism, and allows others to trace the research lineage, maintaining academic integrity.
How do I determine if a source is primary, secondary, or tertiary?
Consider the source’s origin, purpose, and how it’s being used in your research. Primary sources are firsthand accounts, secondary sources analyze those accounts, and tertiary sources summarize or compile information from both.
What challenges might I face when accessing primary, secondary, and tertiary sources?
Challenges include limited access to rare or historical primary sources, the overwhelming volume of secondary sources, and the need to validate information in tertiary sources against more detailed materials.
How do tertiary sources support academic research?
Tertiary sources provide overviews and summaries that help frame research, offering a broad context that can guide further exploration of primary and secondary sources.
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In scholarly work, a primary source reports original content; a secondary source refers to content first reported in another source.
Secondary sources are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Section 8.6 and the Concise Guide Section 8.6
Follow these directions when citing a secondary source:
If the year of publication of the primary source is known, also include it in the text citation.
For example, if you read a work by Lyon et al. (2014) in which Rabbitt (1982) was cited, and you were unable to read Rabbitt’s work yourself, cite Rabbitt’s work as the original source, followed by Lyon et al.’s work as the secondary source. Only Lyon et al.’s work appears in the reference list.
(Rabbitt, 1982, as cited in Lyon et al., 2014)
If the year of the primary source is unknown, omit it from the in-text citation.
Allport’s diary (as cited in Nicholson, 2003)
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Many undergraduate English essays do not require extensive use of secondary sources. Critical editions of literary works, the library stacks, online indexes and subject guides should yield plenty with which to work. Finding good secondary sources is, of course, only a first step. The second step is to use them properly.
Page ID. Heather Ringo & Athena Kashyap. City College of San Francisco via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative. Table of contents. Example 1: Poetry. Example 2: Fiction. Example 3: Poetry. Attribution. The following examples are essays where student writers focused on close-reading a literary work.
What is a secondary source? A secondary source is anything that describes, interprets, evaluates, or analyzes information from primary sources. Common examples include: Books, articles and documentaries that synthesize information on a topic; Synopses and descriptions of artistic works; Encyclopedias and textbooks that summarize information and ideas; Reviews and essays that evaluate or ...
Secondary sources are works that analyze, interpret, or merely describe historical or scientific events. They're written based on firsthand accounts without being firsthand accounts themselves. Secondary sources draw on the data and experiences from primary sources to reassess the information and draw conclusions by combining them with information from other sources.
Therefore, the majority of sources in a literature review are secondary sources that present research findings, analysis, and the evaluation of other researcher's works. Reviewing secondary source material can be of valu e in improving your overall research paper because secondary sources facilitate the communication of what is known about a topic.
Most sources will use a mix of primary and secondary sources to form an argument. It is important to consider how the author uses these sources. A good argument should be based on analysis and critique, and there should be a logical relationship between evidence and conclusions. To assess an argument's strengths and weaknesses, ask:
The primary source for a literary analysis is the work which you are writing about and which is the central focus on your paper. Secondary sources are resources that discuss the primary source or discuss other information such as theories, symbols, social and historical contexts, etc. To find secondary sources, you can use the databases listed ...
A secondary source, then, is a source that has also done analysis of the same (or a similar) topic. You will then use this source to discuss how it relates to your argument about the primary source. A secondary source is a mediary between you and the primary source. Secondary sources can also help your credibility as a writer; when you use them ...
Assignment Description: The Source Analysis Essay will examine two articles on the same subject with differing, or preferably, opposing viewpoints. Your essay will examine the rhetorical strategies used and and will determine which viewpoint is most effectively portrayed. The essay should be a minimum of 2 to 3 pages and include two sources.
You can introduce material from a secondary text in order to support a particular interpretation which you are making (i.e. you agree with what the critic has said). Alternatively, you could quote from a secondary text and then take issue with the opinion it represents/contains, disagreeing with it and giving your preferred point of view or ...
Secondary Research Examples. 1. Literature Review. A literature review summarizes, reviews, and critiques the existing published literature on a topic. Literature reviews are considered secondary research because it is a collection and analysis of the existing literature rather than generating new data for the study.
Integrating sources means incorporating another scholar's ideas or words into your work. It can be done by: Quoting. Paraphrasing. Summarizing. By integrating sources properly, you can ensure a consistent voice in your writing and ensure your text remains readable and coherent. You can use signal phrases to give credit to outside sources and ...
Secondary sources evaluate or analyze what others have done or witnessed or created. The authors didn't go out and do it, they just analyzed it or wrote about it. These are some examples of secondary sources: systematic reviews or meta analysis Authors gather together a lot of primary research studies and then analyze them. literature reviews
While a primary source provides direct access to a work for you to discuss, analyze, and cite it, a secondary source gives you a look at that work through another writer's lens. For example, the text of a president's speech is a primary source, while a political commentator's column discussing that speech is a secondary source.
Sample Prompt. Assignment Description: The purpose of this essay is to effectively communicate a persuasive argument based on research and analysis of primary and secondary texts. For this assignment, you will engage in secondary research and close reading of a primary text to develop an original, nuanced argument about one of the play's we ...
Common examples of secondary sources include academic books, journal articles, reviews, essays, and textbooks. Anything that summarizes, evaluates or interprets primary sources can be a secondary source. If a source gives you an overview of background information or presents another researcher's ideas on your topic, it is probably a secondary ...
In order to demonstrate a knowledge of the six analysis skills, you need to do two things: Carefully read the source to find information that is explicit and implicit. Conduct background research about the creator of the source. After completing these two steps, you can begin to show your understanding about the six features of historical ...
Published: Mar 16, 2024. Secondary sources play a crucial role in the research process, providing valuable context, analysis, and interpretation of primary sources. These sources are created by scholars and experts in a particular field, and they offer a comprehensive understanding of a topic or issue. In this essay, we will explore the ...
Common examples of secondary sources include academic books, journal articles, reviews, essays, and textbooks. Anything that summarizes, evaluates or interprets primary sources can be a secondary source. If a source gives you an overview of background information or presents another researcher's ideas on your topic, it is probably a secondary ...
Secondary research is a research method that uses data that was collected by someone else. In other words, whenever you conduct research using data that already exists, you are conducting secondary research. On the other hand, any type of research that you undertake yourself is called primary research. Example: Secondary research.
This guide aims to clarify these categories by providing clear definitions and examples, enabling researchers to identify, use, and explain primary, secondary, and tertiary sources effectively. Understanding these distinctions is not just about academic rigor but about enriching research with diverse perspectives and solid evidence.
In scholarly work, a primary source reports original content; a secondary source refers to content first reported in another source. Cite secondary sources sparingly—for instance, when the original work is out of print, unavailable, or available only in a language that you do not understand. If possible, as a matter of good scholarly practice ...