Secondary sources are sources that discuss, interpret, analyze, summarize, or comment on a primary or secondary source. They are NOT first-hand accounts. Primary sources are original research studies; secondary sources are not.
Secondary sources include:
Some of these may be peer-reviewed. Both primary and secondary sources may be peer-reviewed.
Secondary sources should not be used as evidence to support a claim Since secondary sources discuss primary sources, it is best to find the primary source as your evidence.
Here are some examples of articles that would be considered secondary sources. Review articles can provide a good overview of the research in a given area but cannot be used as evidence. The original research articles discussed in a literature review may be sources of evidence.
Tertiary sources are sometimes confused with secondary sources. A tertiary source is a summary or consolidation of information, in a factual but not analytical or interpretive way. Examples: