Tertiary sources

Definition

Tertiary sources are materials that compile, summarize, or index primary and secondary sources, providing an overview of a topic. They serve as useful tools for researchers by offering quick access to a broad range of information without providing original analysis or interpretation. Tertiary sources include encyclopedias, textbooks, and bibliographies, and play an important role in the research process by helping to guide further inquiry into primary and secondary resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tertiary sources do not provide original analysis but instead summarize existing information from primary and secondary sources.
2. Common examples of tertiary sources include encyclopedias, textbooks, factbooks, and indexes.
3. Tertiary sources are often used as starting points in research to gain a general understanding of a topic before diving into more detailed primary and secondary resources.
4. While tertiary sources can be useful for background information, they are not always considered authoritative or suitable for academic research citations.
5. Tertiary sources can help identify relevant primary and secondary sources for deeper investigation into a subject.

Review Questions

• How do tertiary sources differ from primary and secondary sources in terms of content and purpose?
  • Tertiary sources differ from primary and secondary sources primarily in that they compile and summarize information rather than presenting original content or analysis. While primary sources offer firsthand accounts or evidence from the time of an event, secondary sources analyze these firsthand accounts. Tertiary sources act as a bridge by providing an overview of both types, enabling researchers to quickly access important information without engaging with more complex analyses.
• What role do tertiary sources play in the research process and how can they be effectively utilized?
  • Tertiary sources play a crucial role in the research process by offering an accessible way to gather background information on a topic. Researchers can effectively utilize them as starting points to understand the context and scope of their subject matter. By consulting tertiary sources first, researchers can identify key concepts, relevant terms, and potential primary or secondary resources that may warrant further exploration. However, it’s important to supplement this information with primary and secondary sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding.
• Evaluate the impact of relying solely on tertiary sources in academic research and the potential pitfalls associated with this approach.
  • Relying solely on tertiary sources in academic research can significantly hinder the depth and quality of one's work. While they provide useful overviews and facilitate initial understanding, these sources lack original analysis or detailed arguments necessary for rigorous academic inquiry. This approach may result in superficial knowledge of a topic and prevent critical engagement with primary or secondary materials that offer deeper insights. Additionally, tertiary sources may contain outdated or biased information, so it’s essential for researchers to critically assess all types of resources to create well-rounded arguments.

Related terms

Primary Sources: Primary sources are original materials created at the time of an event or phenomenon, such as diaries, interviews, and official documents.

Secondary Sources: Secondary sources analyze, interpret, or critique primary sources, including articles, books, and documentaries that discuss original works.

Reference Materials:

Reference materials include dictionaries, encyclopedias, and atlases that provide quick facts and background information on various topics.