Primary Sources

Primary Sources

Evidence from the period being studied by a historian.

Secondary Sources

An account written by a historian about the period being studied, based on primary sources.

Tertiary Sources

A collection of primary and secondary sources, such as a textbook that includes narratives and primary source excerpts.

Charles Beard's Book

An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States, which explores economic motivations behind the creation of the Constitution.

Visual Sources

Primary sources that include images, such as artwork, cartoons, and photographs.

Material Culture

Objects from the past, like pottery, buildings, and clothing, that provide insight into a culture.

Oral Testimony

Primary sources that involve interviewing someone who witnessed an event.

Bias

A tendency to favor one perspective over another, which historians must recognize and account for when analyzing sources.

Corroboration

The process of confirming information by using multiple sources to ensure reliability and accuracy.

Context

The circumstances surrounding the creation of a source that can impact its interpretation.