Secondary source
A source that discusses or analyzes information from primary sources.
A secondary source is a document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere. It contrasts with a primary, or original, source, as it involves the selection, modification, and arrangement of original information into a suitable format, often including generalization, analysis, interpretation, or evaluation. The classification of a source as primary or secondary is not always obvious and is relative, depending on context and use; a third level, the tertiary source, aims to provide a broad introductory overview.
Quick Facts
- Field
- Information science
- historiography
- law
- science
- humanities
- Classification nature
- Relative and contextual; may change over time or depending on use
- Related concept
- Tertiary source (e.g., encyclopedia or dictionary)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
In scholarship, a secondary source is defined as one that gives information about a primary source, with the original information being selected, modified, and arranged. The most accurate classification for any given source is not always obvious, as 'primary' and 'secondary' are relative terms; some sources may be classified as either depending on how they are used. For example, a historical text that discusses old documents and discloses a new conclusion may be considered a primary source for that new conclusion but remains a secondary source regarding the old documents. An obituary or a survey of journal volumes can also be assigned both roles.
Did You Know?
- In German, Sekundärliteratur refers to secondary literature on historical facts, while Sekundärquelle is used for historiography, such as a letter quoting from a lost primary source.
- A book review is a primary source for the reviewer's opinion and a secondary source for the contents of the book.
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