SourcesPrimary vs. Secondary
What is a source? What are the different types of sources? Are all sources created equal? Why?
Warm-Up
A resource from which information can be obtained
Primary vs. Secondary
Sources
First person accounts that are recorded at the time of the event◦ Ex. Photographs, letters, drawings, diaries,
documents, and objects from the time period
Primary Source
Account created by someone either not present when the event took place or removed by time from the event. Often, they are based on primary resources.◦ Textbooks, histories (articles that interpret
findings) and encyclopedias.
Secondary Source
Hi! My name is Casey and I’m just a dog! Can you help me tell the difference between
primary and secondary sources? PAWlllleaaasse!
HELP ME!!
Diary of Anne Frank - Experiences of a Jewish family during WWII
The Constitution of Canada - Canadian History
A journal article reporting NEW research or findings
Weavings and pottery - Native American history
History Alive Textbook Plato's Republic
Primary or Secondary
How can tell if a source is reliable? What factors contribute to reliability?
Reliability?
Primary vs. Secondary Reason to lie Other evidence Public or Private
The PROP Method
Primary vs. Secondary◦ Eyewitness or not eyewitness?
P
Reason to lie?◦ Would someone benefit if the truth were
distorted?
R
Other evidence to support the evidence in this source?◦ Eyewitnesses, statements, recordings,
photographs
O
Public or private statement◦ Would you report information differently if
someone was looking?
P