Primary/Secondary Scenarios
Determine whether the following are primary or secondary sources:
The story your grandfather tells you about his experience during the Korean War.
Primary
Considering what other sources on the topic say about the event. This is done to see where multiple sources agree and disagree about what happened.
What is corroboration
Mary is preparing to analyze Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. BEFORE she reads the document, Mary looks at information about Martin Luther King, considers who the audience of the speech was intended to be, and what the purpose of giving the speech was. What historical thinking skill is being used?
What is sourcing
This type of document, often used in historical research, includes letters, diaries, and official records created during the time under study.
What is primary source
Determine whether the following are primary or secondary sources:
A letter written by George Washington to his mother about the latest developments in the Revolutionary War
Primary Source
After reading the source, this asks you to decide what the author is saying, how he or she is saying it, what evidence the author provides for the claims he or she makes.
What is close reading
Karl has begun to research the way women in the United States fought for the right to vote. In order to make the best inference possible, he looks at a copy of the Declaration of Sentiments written by women in the mid 1800’s, photographs taken of women protesting for the right to vote in 1915, as well as a diary entry from Lucy Stone, a famous suffragette. He then compares the sources to see where they agree and disagree.
What is corroborating?
This type of source analyzes and interprets first hand accounts, often providing context and commentary on historical events.
What is Secondary Source
Determine whether the following is a primary or secondary source:
A documentary produced by PBS in 1998 on the Tenement Houses in New York City.
Secondary Source
The first thing historians do when looking at a piece of evidence is find out who created it, when it was created, and what the purpose of the document was.
What is sourcing
Sara is trying to figure out why the Black Plague spread so quickly throughout Europe. In order to get a better picture of the reasons why, Sara decides to see what happened right before the breakout of the plague, as well as looking at a map of trade routes throughout medieval Europe and Asia.
Contextualization
If you are an historian who wants to research what life was like for women living in America in 1974, what kinds of primary sources might you look for?
Interviews, diaries, records, letters, etc.
Determine whether the following is a primary or secondary source:
The information from the museum tour guide who shows you around the exhibit and shares facts with you.
Secondary Source
This asks you to locate the document in time and place. Seeking out what other events were going on in the world that might have influenced the event.
What is contextualization
Emily, a history scholar, is researching a collection of handwritten letters from the 18th century. These letters were exchanged between political figures during a critical period of social upheaval. Emily meticulously studies each letter, paying attention to the handwriting style, language nuances, and historical context. By reading these letters, she aims to uncover hidden political alliances and understand the true motivations behind significant historical events.
What is close reading
If you are a historian who wants to research what life was like for pioneers on the Oregon Trail, what secondary sources might you use for your research? List 2 examples
Journals, Encyclopedia, Textbooks, Biographies, etc.
Determine whether the following is a primary or secondary source:
A mummy from Ancient Egypt, held in the Smithsonian museum.
To favor one side over another based on personal opinion
What is Bias
William is researching the environmental movement in the United States during the late 20th century. To gain a comprehensive understanding, he examines a copy of the first Earth Day proclamation from 1970, newspaper articles covering major protests against pollution in the 1960s, and an interview transcript with environmental activist Rachel Carson. He then analyzes these sources to identify common themes and differing perspectives on environmental issues.
What is corroboration
Why might it be important for us to consider both primary and secondary source?
This practice is crucial in historical research because it allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of events by analyzing both firsthand accounts and interpretations.