World History Research Guide

A primary source is an object such as a document or artifact that was created during the time period you are studying.

A Primary Source Could Be...

1. A document from the time period you are studying.  For example letters, film footage, public papers, speeches, newspapers
2. An autobiography or a diary
3. An artifact from the time period.  For example clothes, tools, furniture, money
4. Interviews or oral histories from a person who lived during the time period you are studying.
5. Creative works such as art, music, dancing, plays, stories, poetry

A secondary source uses primary sources to analyze historical events after the event has already occurred.

A Secondary Source Could Be...

1. Scholarly journal articles
2. Scholarly books
3. Documentaries
4. Biographies
5. Encyclopedias