1.2 Finding & Situating Sources

Types of sources

Primary sources are firsthand (data, interviews, documents, artworks); secondary sources analyze or interpret them (articles, reviews). Good research uses both.

Where to search

Use databases, scholarly journals, and reputable organizations — not just a general web search. Peer-reviewed and expert sources carry more weight.

Situating a source

Situating a source means understanding its origin: who made it, when, why, and for whom. Context shapes what a source can reliably tell you.

Key terms

Primary source

firsthand: data, interviews, documents, art

Secondary source

analyzes/interprets primary material

Databases

search scholarly, peer-reviewed sources

Situating a source

who made it, when, why, for whom

Credibility

peer-reviewed/expert sources carry more weight

Try an AP-style question

A scholarly source is typically…

1. peer-reviewed by experts
2. a social media post
3. an anonymous forum
4. a personal blog