A secondary source, much like a primary source, is a source that provides
information that supports the thesis statement of your writing project; however,
secondary sources will also include facts and commentary from sources and
people that are "outside" of your writing project's topic that support and may
provide alternative perspectives on the topic of your writing project (Griffith,
2006, p. 279). For example, using the Public Schools of Prince Edward
County, Virginia as the subject of your writing project, you may find that your
primary source provides you only with the historic background and facts about
the Public Schools of Prince Edward County, Virginia. On the other hand, to
find information about the affect the Public Schools of Prince Edward County,
Virginia had on the people of Prince Edward County, Virginia or to find
opposition to your argument, you will need secondary sources (Griffith, 2006,
p. 280). Most often, journal, newspaper, and magazine articles are used as
secondary sources; but, as previously mentioned, any source that provides
information that supports the thesis statement of your writing project may be
used as a secondary source. Additionally, as is the case with primary sources,
your writing project will always reflect the quality, or the lack of quality, of
your secondary sources. Note for UDC and WMCU member students: the
following link will take you to the Aladin login page,
, an excellent database
for you to use for locating secondary sources because it will allow you to
search its database for books and articles on the subject of your writing
project.
References
Griffith, K. (2006). Writing essays about literature: A guide and style sheet.
Boston: Thompson Wadsworth.
UDC Reading / Writing Connection Writing Tutorials