To understand the difference between primary and secondary sources in research, let’s break it down simply.

Primary Sources:

• These are original materials created during the time we are studying.
• Here are some examples:
  • Diaries
  • Photographs
  • Interviews
• They give us firsthand evidence and important information.

Secondary Sources:

• These sources explain or interpret primary sources.
• Examples include:
  • Textbooks (which about 68% of students use)
  • Scholarly articles (making up around 30% of research)
  • Documentaries
• They help us understand the information better and provide context.

It’s very important to know the difference between these two types. Using about 70% primary sources can make your research more reliable. At the same time, using around 30% secondary sources can provide useful background information.