Research Guides: Primary Sources: Analyzing Primary Sources

Look for Clues in Primary Sources

Primary sources can offer first-hand evidence to support your research and help to identify questions for further investigation. Think like a detective looking for clues, when analyzing primary sources, and check out the links to primary source worksheets located on this page to help build your case.

Primary Source Research Worksheet
Analyzing primary sources requires critical analysis and corroboration. While primary sources are the foundation for historical writing, there are potential pitfalls in using a document without having considered the following questions.
Research Tip: When writing for publication, Historical scholars will frequently address many of these
questions when using historical sources in their academic articles. Get in the habit early by addressing some of these questions in your research assignments.

Source Analysis
Analysis is the ability to demonstrate an understanding of the elements that contributed to the creation of a historical source. It answers the question: 'Why does this source exist in its current form?'
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Use this link to discover more about source analysis. You can even quiz yourself on your knowledge

Source Evaluation

Source Evaluation
Once you have successfully analyzed your sources, you have enough information to start evaluating their value. Evaluation is the ability to reach an informed judgment about the value of a source to your historical topic. It answers the question: 'How useful and reliable is this source?'
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Click on the link to learn about usefulness and reliability when evaluating primary sources.

Last Updated: Apr 12, 2024 2:52 PM

Primary Sources

Primary Source Analysis & Evaluation

Primary Source Analysis Worksheets

Look for Clues in Primary Sources

Source Evaluation