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Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources: Comparison

This guide will describe the three types of sources and give examples of each so that students will be able to select good sources for course assignments

Comparison across the disciplines

SUBJECT    PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY
Art and Architecture    Painting by Manet  Article critiquing art pieces ARTstor database
Chemistry/Life Sciences Einstein's diary Monography on Einstein's life Dictionary on Theory of Relativity

Engineering/Physical Science

Patent NTIS database Manual on using invention
Humanities    Letters by Martin Luther King Website on King's writings Encyclopedia on Civil RIghts Movement
Social Sciences Notes by clinical psychologist Magazine article- psychological condition Textbook on clinical psychology
Performing Arts Movie filmed in 1942 Biography of the director Guide to the movie