Secondary Sources

Definition

Secondary sources are materials that interpret, analyze, or summarize information from primary sources, offering a secondhand account of the data or events. They play a crucial role in research as they provide context and background information, allowing media writers to build upon established knowledge and understand various perspectives surrounding a topic.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary sources are essential for media writers because they provide insights into existing research and viewpoints on a topic without needing to collect primary data themselves.
2. Common examples of secondary sources include articles, books, documentaries, and reviews that analyze or discuss primary data.
3. Using secondary sources can help media writers identify trends, controversies, and differing opinions, enriching their understanding and approach to a subject.
4. It's important to evaluate the credibility of secondary sources to ensure accurate representation of the information and reliable insights.
5. Secondary sources can be especially helpful when primary data is unavailable or impractical to obtain due to time constraints or resource limitations.

Review Questions

• How do secondary sources enhance the quality of research for media writing?
  • Secondary sources enhance research quality by providing context, analysis, and varying perspectives on a topic. They allow media writers to build upon existing knowledge rather than starting from scratch. This not only saves time but also ensures that the writer's work is informed by established research and diverse viewpoints, which can lead to more nuanced and credible writing.
• What criteria should a media writer consider when evaluating the credibility of secondary sources?
  • When evaluating the credibility of secondary sources, a media writer should consider the author's qualifications, the publication's reputation, the date of publication, and the evidence provided within the source. It's essential to check if the source references credible primary data and whether it has been peer-reviewed or cited by other reputable authors. This careful assessment helps ensure that the information used is accurate and trustworthy.
• In what ways might the use of secondary sources affect the narrative style and tone of a media piece?
  • The use of secondary sources can significantly influence both the narrative style and tone of a media piece by incorporating established perspectives and expert opinions. By referencing credible analyses or studies, writers can adopt an authoritative tone that enhances their arguments and appeals to their audience’s intellect. Furthermore, secondary sources can provide context that shapes the narrative structure, allowing for richer storytelling that weaves together various viewpoints while maintaining clarity and focus.

Related terms

Primary Sources: Primary sources are original documents or evidence directly associated with a subject or event, such as interviews, surveys, photographs, or firsthand accounts.

Tertiary Sources: Tertiary sources compile and summarize information from primary and secondary sources, providing a quick reference point, like encyclopedias and textbooks.

Literature Review: A literature review is a comprehensive survey of existing secondary sources related to a specific topic, summarizing and synthesizing the findings to highlight trends and gaps in the research.