Introduction

This lesson introduces the sources that historians use. Not all the evidence of the past is in writing or printed, but a lot of the sources are. Being aware of the author, audience, and purpose requires an active reading of a source.

When we study the past, we listen to other historians and enter into their conversations about the past. Historians create what we call secondary sources—accounts of the past that are based on the interpretation of the evidence from the past. When we also listen to the dead by reading their words and studying the remains of the past, we use primary sources. Primary sources are sources connected closely with past events.

Tertiary sources are sources such as encyclopedia articles. They compile the findings of secondary sources to give a general overview of a topic or person. These sources are sometimes a good start to research, but fruitful research involves secondary and primary sources.

You need to learn to evaluate sources whether they are online or in print. Developing discernment is a life-long task, and God promises to teach us to be wise. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to
1. distinguish primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.
2. evaluate the usefulness of sources for studying the past.

Key Questions

What is epistemology? How does it connect to the theme of this chapter?
How do primary, secondary, and tertiary sources differ?
What are the key habits of online research?

Reading

Read Chapters 6 and 7 in McKenzie.

Research Sources