Citing Sources

Notes on Primary vs. Secondary Sources and Citation Styles

Primary Sources

  • Definition: Original materials created during the time under study or by individuals directly involved in the event.

  • Examples:

    • Diaries, letters, and autobiographies

    • Original research articles

    • Photographs and videos

    • Official documents (e.g., birth certificates, treaties)

    • Artifacts and historical records

Secondary Sources

  • Definition: Interpretations or analyses of primary sources, created by someone who did not experience the event firsthand.

  • Examples:

    • Biographies

    • Review articles and literature reviews

    • Documentaries

    • Textbooks and encyclopedias

    • Critiques and analyses of artworks or literature

Key Differences

  • Nature: Primary sources provide direct evidence; secondary sources provide context and interpretation.

  • Usage: Primary sources are used for original research; secondary sources are used for background information and analysis.

Citation Styles

APA (American Psychological Association)

  • Usage: Commonly used in social sciences (psychology, sociology, education).

  • Format:

    • In-text citation: (Author, Year)

      • Example: (Smith, 2020)

    • Reference list:

      • Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work. Publisher.

      • Example: Smith, J. (2020). Understanding Psychology. Academic Press.

MLA (Modern Language Association)

  • Usage: Commonly used in humanities (literature, philosophy, arts).

  • Format:

    • In-text citation: (Author Page Number)

      • Example: (Smith 23)

    • Works Cited:

      • Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Work. Publisher, Year.

      • Example: Smith, John. Understanding Literature. Penguin Books, 2020.

Key Differences in Citation Styles

  • Focus: APA emphasizes the date of publication; MLA emphasizes the author and page number.

  • Format: APA uses a "References" page; MLA uses a "Works Cited" page.

  • Field of Study: APA is preferred in social sciences; MLA is preferred in humanities.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between primary and secondary sources is crucial for research integrity. Familiarity with citation styles like APA and