Sources

ATB In your opinion, what is a credible source? What makes a source reliable or unreliable? Explain a primary source and provide an example. Explain a secondary source and provide an example. If you are unsure of an answer, please answer it to the best of your abilities!

Pretest

Primary Sources A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event. Some types of primary sources include: ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings

Primary Examples 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 Plato's Republic - Women in Ancient Greece

Examples

Secondary Sources A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them. Some types of secondary sources include: PUBLICATIONS: Textbooks, magazine articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries, encyclopedias

Examples Examples of secondary sources include: – A journal/magazine article which interprets or reviews previous findings A history textbook A book about the effects of WWI

Examples

Credibility-Websites Author: Look for who the author is and what you can find out about that person or organization. What are the author's qualifications? If there is no author, think twice before using the source. Sponsor: Look for who owns the site. Is it a reputable group or organization? If so, that is a good sign, even if no individual author is listed. If you cannot tell what group or individual developed the site, think twice before using the source. Date: Is the information current? For many disciplines, the currency of information is vital.

Types of Sites Determine the type of site you are considering. Is it a database or other site recommended by the library? Sources retrieved through Jacobs Library are credible. Is this a blog or homepage owned by an individual person? If so, you want to avoid it unless you can verify the person's credentials. Is it a wiki? A wiki is a Web site where any user can modify the information, and thus there is no way to verify authorship. Examples of wikis include Wikipedia, Wiktionary, and Wikiquotes. These sources may provide a general overview or lead to more credible sources, but avoid using them in an essay. Is it an online periodical or online version of a print publication

Wikipedia is not credible!

Dr. Brooks Story

Assignment Get into groups of 3-4 students Elect a group leader Only the group leader is allowed to get out of their seat and speak to the teacher. If you are not the group leader and you have a question, please communicate through your leader. Using the provided resources…. – Next slide

Assignment Part II Using the provided resources: – Each group must use 2 primary and 2 secondary sources. – List what type of source you have – Is it a primary or secondary? – What makes this source reliable? – Explain 5 facts from each source.