| Type of Source | Primary | Secondary |
| Definition | Direct or first-hand evidence about an event, object, person or work. | Second-hand account that evaluates, interprets, and analyzes primary sources. |
| Examples |
Report of scientific discoveries Results of experiments Newspaper or magazine article in which the author gives a firsthand account Autobiographies and memoirs Writings such as manuscripts, letters, journals, email and other online communications Interviews and surveys Speeches Government documents and statistics Laws, court cases and decisions Artifacts, photographs, and artwork *Includes copies of the original materials |
Publications about the significance or analysis of research Newspaper or magazine article that interprets information Biographies Histories Textbooks and most books about a specific topic Reference books such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and atlases Criticism/reviews of literature, art, film and theatre *May contain photos, quotes or graphics of primary sources |
| Type of Publication | Scholarly (Academic) | Popular | Trade Publication |
| Purpose | To inform scholars and others of new research or ideas | To inform, entertain or persuade the general public; commercial purpose | To inform professionals in a specific industry of news or trends |
| Language or Style | Scientific or technical | Informal, non-technical | Mostly informal, some technical and jargon |
| Authors | Scholar, researcher or expert with credentials | Staff writer, journalist, generalist or freelance writer | Industry professionals |
| Selection/Review Process | Peer-reviewed or refereed by scholars or experts in the field | Reviewed by an editor | Reviewed by one or more industry professionals. |
| Advertising | Limited, field-related ads | Multiple ads on a variety of products or topics | Multiple ads related to the field |
| Examples | The Journal of Emergency Medicine, Psychological Review | Time, Newsweek, National Geographic | EMS World, Advertising Age |
