Primary & Secondary Sources, Source Analysis, and Historical Criticism

Vocabulary flashcards covering distinctions between primary and secondary sources, evaluation criteria (3 Ws & 3 Rs), source matrix concepts, and various forms of historical criticism.

History

The study of the past using evidence that cannot be experienced first-hand.

Primary Source

An original, firsthand record or artifact from the past, created during the time under study.

Secondary Source

A work produced later that interprets, analyzes, or is based on primary sources.

Provenance

The place of origin and chain of custody of a source, used to verify authenticity.

3 Ws (Who, When, Where)

Key questions about authorship, date, and location that help assess a source’s reliability.

WHY (Motivation)

The purpose or intent behind a source, revealed after establishing the 3 Ws.

3 Rs (Reliable, Relevant, Revealing)

Criteria—provenance & content (Reliable), topical connection (Relevant), and depth/quality (Revealing)—for evaluating a source.

Source Matrix

A conceptual grid that situates sources as Primary/Secondary (vertical) and Scientific/Artistic (horizontal) to gauge use and bias.

Scientific Source

Factual, objective materials (e.g., statistics, legislation) placed on the ‘scientific’ side of the matrix.

Artistic Source

Empathetic, creative works (e.g., poetry, film) that evoke past perspectives, located on the ‘artistic’ side of the matrix.

Internal Criticism

Evaluation of a source’s content, credibility, and accuracy—its ‘higher criticism.’

External Criticism

Verification of a document’s authenticity, origin, and physical characteristics—its ‘lower criticism.’

Authenticity

The quality of being genuine; a key focus of external criticism.

Anachronism

An element (language, style, material) inconsistent with the claimed time period of a source.

Criticism (General)

Analysis, evaluation, or judgment of merits and faults; can be constructive or destructive.

Constructive Criticism

Feedback aimed at improvement, delivered in a positive, helpful manner.

Destructive Criticism

Attacks or undermines without offering solutions for improvement.

Literary Criticism

Study, analysis, and interpretation of literary works.

Art Criticism

Discussion and evaluation of visual art pieces.

Cultural Criticism

Examination of societal implications, norms, and ideologies within a subject.

Historical Criticism

Systematic analysis of historical events and sources to assess accuracy, bias, and context.

Source Criticism

Assessment of a source’s reliability and authenticity (who created it, when?).

Textual Criticism

Evaluation of manuscripts and texts to ensure accuracy and integrity.

Form Criticism

Analysis of genre and form in historical writings such as diaries or official records.

Contextual Criticism

Placing events or texts within broader social, cultural, political, and economic contexts.

Revisionist Criticism

Reinterpretation of established historical narratives to address gaps or biases.

Historiography

Study of how history is written, including historians’ methods and biases.

Reliability

The trustworthiness of information provided by a source, influenced by provenance and content.

Relevance

The degree to which a source directly addresses the historian’s research question.

Revealing Quality

The depth and richness of information a source offers about the past.