What are Primary Sources? Primary sources provide first-hand testimony or direct evidence about a topic or question under investigation.
They are typically created by witnesses or recorders who experienced the events or conditions being documented. Primary sources are often created at the time the events or conditions are occurring, but they can also include autobiographies, memoirs, and oral histories recorded later.
Primary Source | Secondary Source | |
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Sciences |
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Primary Sources | Secondary Sources | |
Humanities |
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Sciences |
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Primary Source | Secondary Source | |
Literature | “Song of Myself” (Poem) | Journal article about the poem’s historical importance |
Psychology | Results of clinical trial to treat ADD by modifying diet | Book about ways to treat childhood ADD without drugs |
Government | U.S. Census Statistics | Book about suburban population changes in U.S. |
History | Text of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech | Journal article about King's role in the Civil Rights Movement |
Art | Ding Darling cartoons | Magazine article about political cartoonists of the 20th century |
Sociology | Diary of Anne Frank | Book contrasting personal accounts of the German occupation |
Cowles Library subscribes to a number of useful primary source collections (and we even have some of our own!)
Use materials placed on reserve by your instructors
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