Primary and Secondary Sources

In primary sources there is nothing (or very little) standing between the event (say, an accident) and the reporting of it (the eyewitness testimony). Secondary sources include, for example, a summary of research in a popular magazine, a television news report on a corporation's earnings, or a report by someone who talked to someone who witnessed an accident. With secondary sources someone stands between the actual event and the report, as when a science reporter reads the scientist's monograph (primary source) and then writes up a summary for the popular press (secondary source). As a speaker and as a listener, you'll use and hear both types of source material. Yet there are important differences that you should keep in mind. Secondary source material is less reliable than primary source material, because it is a step removed from the actual facts or events. The writer of the material may have forgotten important parts, may be biased and so may have slanted the reporting, or may have distorted the material because he or she misunderstood the data. When using or listening to secondary sources, examine the information for any particular spin the writer may be giving the material. If possible, check with the primary source material to see what might have been left out, or if the conclusions drawn are reallywarranted on the basis of the primary evidence.

Reliability

Reliable research findings or conclusions are those you can count on, those that are trustworthy and dependable. In estimating how reliable a source's conclusions are, ask yourself if the conclusions have been arrived at logically rather than, say, emotionally. Does the author offer clear evidence and sound arguments rather than, say, anecdotes or testimonials to support conclusions?

Another way to estimate reliability is to look at the publisher of the material. Major textbook and trade book publishers go to enormous effort to ensure the accuracy of what appears in print or on their websites, so the information they offer is generally reliable.

Currency, Fairness and Sufficiency

Finally, when you hear research reported by a speaker or when you collect research yourself, listen to it critically for currency, fairness, and sufficiency.

Currency.Generally, the more recent the material, the more useful it will be.

Fairness.Does the author present the information objectively, or is there a bias favoring one position?

Sufficiency.Is the collected information sufficient to prove the case?

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