Methods Of Educational Research

Full Answer Section

Secondary Source:

• Definition: A secondary source provides analysis, interpretation, or commentary on primary sources. These sources are created by someone who did not directly experience the event but is analyzing information from primary sources or other secondary sources.
• Examples:
  • Textbooks, articles in academic journals or magazines
  • Documentaries, biographies, historical analyses
  • Reviews and critiques of creative works

Choosing Between Primary and Secondary Sources:

• Research Stage: In the early stages of research, secondary sources are often helpful for getting a broad overview of a topic and identifying relevant primary sources.
• Depth of Analysis: When you need to delve deeper into a topic and gain a firsthand perspective, primary sources become crucial.

Example Research Scenarios:

• Research Topic: The impact of the American Revolution on daily life for colonists.

  • Secondary Source Example: A textbook chapter on the social and economic changes brought about by the American Revolution. This would provide a good starting point for understanding the broader context.
  • Primary Source Example: Letters written by colonists to family members during the war, describing their experiences and hardships. These would offer a firsthand perspective on the war's impact.

• Research Topic: The artistic styles and influences on Vincent van Gogh's paintings.

  • Secondary Source Example: A biography of van Gogh that analyzes his artistic development and the influence of other artists.
  • Primary Source Example: van Gogh's own letters discussing his techniques, inspirations, and struggles as an artist.

By understanding the distinctions between primary and secondary sources, you can effectively navigate the research process and gather the most relevant information to support your work.

Sample Answer

A primary source and a secondary source are two different ways information is presented and classified in research. Here's a breakdown of the key differences and examples of their use:

Primary Source:

• Definition: A primary source provides firsthand or original accounts of events, objects, or ideas. These sources were created at the time of the event or shortly thereafter by someone with direct involvement or knowledge.
• Examples:
  • Historical documents: Diaries, letters, speeches, government records, court transcripts
  • Creative works: Novels, poems, paintings, sculptures, musical compositions
  • Artifacts: Archaeological finds, fossils, historical objects
  • Interviews, surveys, observations conducted by the researcher