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While primary sources refer to sources that contain original information, the distinction varies between subject areas and disciplines. Journal articles are considered secondary sources in the Humanities because they may discuss, critique, or analyze an author’s original creative work, while they may be a primary source to a biologist. Similarly, many newspaper articles are considered primary sources within the discipline of History because they report events as they are happening, contrasting the sciences, where newspaper articles are never used as sources.
When identifying primary sources, it is important to remember that the various forms the source could take is not what matters, but whether it contains original information or creative works for that discipline.
This poster will explain the differences in primary and secondary sources across subject areas, focusing on contrasting the definitions within science and humanities disciplines.
