This document summarizes the key differences between primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are original records created at the time an event occurred by observers, participants, or witnesses. They provide first-hand accounts and evidence of an event. Secondary sources are created after an event to explain, analyze, or provide context to a primary source. They provide deeper understanding but were not created during the event. The document provides examples of primary sources like diaries, photographs, and newspapers and secondary sources like history textbooks, biographies, and movies based on historical events.

1. S
Primary Source
vs.Secondary Source
G8 Integrated Studies
(developed from University of Toronto
UTSC library source)

2. Primary Source

3. Primary Source
S Object or writing created at the time of
study by the observers, participants or
witnesses.
S First hand account of the experience in a
an event.
S Original record written at the time when
the event happened.
S Evidence of an event.

4. Secondary Source

5. Secondary Source
S Explain, clarify, analyze or discuss a past
event in the primary source.
S Provide a deeper understanding to the
primary source.
S Develop an appreciation to the value of
primary source.
S Created a long time after the event
happened.

6. Guess which is which
S Diaries Letters
S Photographs Art
S Maps Video and film
S Sound recordings Interviews
S Newspapers Magazines
S History textbooks Biographies
S Published stories or Movies of historical
Essays events
S Music recordings Encyclopedia

7. Primary vs. Secondary
sources
S https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgfQC4d3pKc

8. Evaluating sources of
information
SHow do I know my sources are
trustworthy?

9. Evaluating sources of
information
S Primary or secondary
S Accuracy
S Reliability
S Currency