Which of the following best describes secondary sources?

Which of the following best describes secondary sources?

• A. Original information from firsthand accounts
• B. Information originally provided by other people
• C. Thoughts and feelings written by an individual
• D. Data collected for the first time

Answer: (B)

Secondary sources are best described as information that is derived from primary sources, or original testimonies and accounts. They interpret, analyze, or summarize primary data provided by others rather than presenting firsthand experience. This often includes books, articles, documentaries, and reviews that discuss or critique earlier works, academic findings, or events that have already been recorded. In contrast, original information from firsthand accounts relates to primary sources, where the writer is the direct observer or participant. Thoughts and feelings written by an individual can be reflective of both primary and secondary perspectives depending on the context. Finally, data collected for the first time also refers to primary sources, as it involves new, unprocessed information. Therefore, the characterization of secondary sources as information originally provided by others correctly encapsulates their nature as derivative works built upon the findings or interpretations of primary materials.

Secondary sources are best described as information that is derived from primary sources, or original testimonies and accounts. They interpret, analyze, or summarize primary data provided by others rather than presenting firsthand experience. This often includes books, articles, documentaries, and reviews that discuss or critique earlier works, academic findings, or events that have already been recorded.

In contrast, original information from firsthand accounts relates to primary sources, where the writer is the direct observer or participant. Thoughts and feelings written by an individual can be reflective of both primary and secondary perspectives depending on the context. Finally, data collected for the first time also refers to primary sources, as it involves new, unprocessed information. Therefore, the characterization of secondary sources as information originally provided by others correctly encapsulates their nature as derivative works built upon the findings or interpretations of primary materials.