YSK the difference in reliability between types of sources, and how necessary it is to verify those sources. Knowing this can help you differentiate between evidence that is useful, and evidence that isn't.
When an article reaches the front page of Reddit with a flashy headline, do you ever stop to think: "What kind of sources does this article use, and can I trust the reliability of those sources?"
If you're not sure how to judge reliability, then this information is for you.
Depth of Sources
First-hand information (primary source)
This is when you are directly involved in the event. There is no one between you and the actual event; you were there. This is the most desirable source of information.
Some primary sources
- If you weren't actually there, you can sometimes get film footage or sound recordings of an actual event; this could count as a primary source (though there are still things that might be missed, as recording devices have their limitations).
- Surveys can be first-hand information, since you are the first person to ask people their opinions on the issues you are researching.
You need to consider the reliability of first-hand information - while your source may tell you what he/she thinks is the truth, it is possible for your source to be incorrect. You should always try to verify first-hand information with other sources.
Second-hand information (secondary source)
This is when someone else, who was directly involved in the event, tells you about it. There is one person between you and the actual event; this means that person is giving you his or her interpretation of the event; they might not see or hear everything, or they might explain it to you in such a way that your understanding of the event is different than what actually happened. This is the second best source of information. You need to consider the reliability of second hand sources carefully; it is always good to gather information from more than one source to make sure they all match.
Some secondary sources
- Autobiographies
- Some newspaper and magazine articles (when the author was there and is writing about it)
- Interviews with primary sources
Third-hand information (tertiary source)
This is when someone who was actually there tells another person, and that second person tells you about it. This is the least desirable, but most common, source of information for research. There are two people between you and the event, each one of whom is interpreting the event in his or her own way. You should NEVER rely on information that is beyond third-hand; it is not reliable. You need to consider the reliability of third hand sources carefully; it is always good to gather information from more than one source to make sure they all match.
Some tertiary sources
- Biographies
- Most encyclopedia articles
- Most newspaper and magazine articles
- Some TV shows and movies
Types of Sources
Print source
A source of information that was originally published and made available to the public by being printed on paper. This would include books, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, journals, letters... anything that was originally made available to the public through an ink-on-paper medium.
REMEMBER: We always want our sources to be as close to first hand as possible. We also need to consider the reliability of any source we use.
Electronic source
A source of information that was originally made available to the public through electronic means. This would include web pages on the Internet, CD-ROMs, and similar sources; basically, anything you need a computer in order to view.
REMEMBER: We always want our sources to be as close to first hand as possible. We also need to consider the reliability of any source we use. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT RELIABLE!
Audio sources
A source of information that is a sound recording. This would include MP3's, CD's, records, audio cassettes, and any other sound media.
REMEMBER: We always want our sources to be as close to first hand as possible. We also need to consider the reliability of any source we use.
Video sources
A source of information that presents moving pictures. This would include TV shows, movies, DVD's, video cassettes, and any other video media.
REMEMBER: We always want our sources to be as close to first hand as possible. We also need to consider the reliability of any source we use.
Don't be afraid to use a Human Source!
Interviews and surveys are great ways to get information. Write up your list of questions (for surveys, they should usually be multiple choice; for interviews, they should usually be more in-depth or long-answer), then go find some people to ask.
REMEMBER: We always want our sources to be as close to first hand as possible. We also need to consider the reliability of any source we use.