Secondary sources

Definition

Secondary sources are materials that interpret, analyze, or summarize primary sources or original research. These sources provide context, commentary, and insights based on the information gathered from primary sources, making them valuable for verifying facts, developing narratives, and conducting in-depth research. They play a crucial role in enhancing understanding and providing multiple perspectives on a subject.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Secondary sources can include books, articles, documentaries, and websites that analyze or interpret primary data.
2. These sources are essential in fact-checking as they often provide background information and context that helps verify claims made in primary materials.
3. When writing features or investigative pieces, journalists use secondary sources to draw connections between events and present a well-rounded narrative.
4. Secondary sources are often used during the editing process to confirm the accuracy of information before publication.
5. It's important to evaluate the credibility of secondary sources because they may reflect biases or inaccuracies from their original authors.

Review Questions

• How do secondary sources enhance the fact-checking process in narrative journalism?
  • Secondary sources enhance the fact-checking process by providing additional context and corroborative evidence that supports or disputes claims made in primary sources. They allow journalists to cross-reference information and gather various viewpoints, which is essential for ensuring accuracy. By drawing from well-researched secondary materials, journalists can build a more reliable narrative that holds up against scrutiny.
• Discuss the role of secondary sources in researching and reporting features in narrative journalism.
  • In researching and reporting features, secondary sources provide valuable context and depth to the story being told. They help journalists connect themes and ideas by interpreting existing data or studies relevant to their narrative. By utilizing secondary sources, reporters can weave together diverse perspectives and information to create a more comprehensive and engaging feature that resonates with readers.
• Evaluate the implications of relying on secondary sources during the editing process for ensuring journalistic integrity.
  • Relying on secondary sources during the editing process can significantly impact journalistic integrity by ensuring that all published information is accurate and credible. However, it also poses risks if these sources are not thoroughly vetted for reliability. Editors must critically assess secondary materials to avoid perpetuating misinformation and biases that could undermine the trustworthiness of the publication. This careful evaluation is crucial for maintaining high standards in journalism.

Related terms

primary sources: Primary sources are original materials or firsthand accounts created during the time under study, such as interviews, diaries, photographs, and official documents.

fact-checking: Fact-checking is the process of verifying information to ensure its accuracy and credibility, often using both primary and secondary sources.

academic journals: Academic journals are periodicals that publish scholarly articles, often relying on secondary sources to review and discuss original research findings.