History

If you are unfamiliar with your subject area, it will be very helpful to begin with a source that summarizes the main events and also describes the historical context.

Historical research involves the use of primary and secondary sources.

A PRIMARY SOURCE is a first hand account, report or original data on or about an event. These sources are often created at or near the time of event. Examples may include:

• Journals
• Interviews/transcripts
• Diaries
• Art work
• Speeches
• Letters and other correspondence
• Newspapers
• Data

A SECONDAY SOURCE is a second-hand account or interpretation, opinion or analysis of an event. Good secondary sources are based on the interpretation of a wide variety of primary sources. Examples may include:

• Books
• Research articles
• Professional and popular articles
• Histories
• Commentaries
• Encyclopedias
• Textbooks
• Statistics