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Source Types

This guide outlines and explains the different source types.

Secondary Sources 

Secondary sources are publications that discuss or analyze primary source information. Examples of secondary sources are works that are based directly off of original events or ideas.

Some examples are:

  • books
  • journal articles
  • magazine articles
  • news articles
  • reviews

News Articles

News articles are commonly considered secondary sources because they feature secondhand information. While some news articles can be classified as primary, news typically provides the reader with an analysis, summary, or discussion of original events. 

Journal Articles

Journal articles, whether they are from scholarly journals or trade journals, are secondary sources. This means they include primary source materials to present an argument, to support research, or to analyze existing information. These secondary sources report on research or information from a secondary point of view and often provide analysis about the information presented.