Primary/Secondary sources of reading?

Question

What is a primary source of reading and what is a secondary source of reading. I know what they are in terms of data, but unsure of what theu are in terms of reading.

Thanks

Answer 1

I seem to remember from my psychology OU stuff that a primary source of reading is the  core texts of a subject and secondary reading is other linked books - i.e this could be a biography or journal article linked to your subject.

Another meaning for secondry reading is reading something cited in a bibliography.

Answer 2

The above answer is partially true, but incorrect.

Here is your answer:

A "primary source" is a 1st hand account of an event or subject.

A "secondary source" is a source which is not a 1st hand account, but is built upon existing primary sources and other secondary sources.

For example, if you wanted to learn about ancient history, "primary" sources would include the works of Xenophon, Thucydides, Euclid, etc.  "Secondary" sources would include books such as "History of the Ancient World", "An Analysis of Hellenic Peoples", or even a history textbook such as "Western Civilization".

Good luck!