Secondary Sources (including theorists)

Authenticity

Whether the source is genuine, original, and free from alterations.

Credibility

Whether the source is believable and trustworthy based on who produced it and why.

Representativeness

Whether the data reflects the wider population being studied.

Triangulation

The use of more than one method or source to check the reliability of findings.

What is manipulation in the context of secondary sources?

When data is altered or selectively used to fit an agenda.

Verification

Checking the accuracy or truth of a source by comparing it with other evidence.

Replication.

The ability for research to be repeated by others and achieve the same results.

Objectivity

The absence of researcher bias in collecting or interpreting data.

Subjectivity

When personal feelings or opinions influence how data is interpreted.

Official statistics

Data collected by government or official bodies (e.g., crime or education stats).

Give three examples of personal documents.

Diaries, letters, or autobiographies.

Public documents?

Materials produced by organisations such as government reports or school records.

Historical documents

Sources from the past, such as newspapers, letters, or photographs.

What is content analysis used for?

Studying patterns in media, texts, or visual content to understand themes or bias.

What did Thomas and Znaniecki study?

Polish immigrants in the US using personal letters and documents—highlighting the value of personal documents.

What is Aries known for?

Studying historical documents to explore childhood in pre-industrial societies.

What did Gewirtz et al. study using secondary sources?

Parental choice in education and how school documents reflected social class differences.

What did the Glasgow University Media Group focus on?

Media bias using content analysis—especially in coverage of industrial disputes.

What is Scott known for in relation to secondary sources?

Evaluating documents based on their authenticity, credibility, representativeness, and meaning.