ORDER YOUR PAPER

15% off today

from a verified trusted writer

total: $11.23
How to Use Secondary Sources

How to Use Secondary Sources

Secondary sources are a part of most research papers, particularly in the humanities, where you'll be asked not only to analyze an original text, but also to explore the arguments that other researchers have put forward about your topic. But just what are secondary sources, and how do you integrate them into your paper?

What's a secondary source?

If we're going to talk about how to use secondary sources, first we have to clearly define just what they are. In general, no matter what discipline you're working in, there are two kinds of sources you can cite in a paper: primary and secondary. If you're citing someone's original work, that's a primary source. This type of source will look different depending on what you're writing about: for an English paper this might be a novel or poem; in history class a primary source could be a 19th century letter or a Civil War era journal; and in the sciences, peer-reviewed journal articles that describe original research are primary sources.
When you cite someone who's writing about a primary source, that's what called a secondary source. So, a book that discusses the symbolism of The Great Gatsby is a secondary source: it's providing analysis of somebody else's writing. In history, common secondary sources include books and journal articles that argue for a certain interpretation of history. Often these works will include references to primary sources like census data, letters, or newspaper articles to prove their thesis. Secondary source materials are less often cited in scientific works, but examples include commentary on trends or issues that are published in journals or books that bring together all the research on a particular topic. No matter the field, just remember that in a secondary sources the author is always providing his or her own analysis and interpretation.

What can you do with secondary sources?

Students are often told that they need to include a certain number of secondary sources in their papers, and this request can easily lead to confusion. After the difficult process of finding books and journal articles on your topic, just what are you supposed to do with all that research?
Support your thesis. One of the most basic things you can do with secondary sources is to find somebody who agrees with the argument you're making. Let's say you're writing a paper about symbolism in The Great Gatsby, and you want to argue that F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the image of dust in the novel to symbolize the moral decay of the characters. In your paper, you'd present evidence from the original text (the primary source) to support this, and then you'd cite a secondary source that also supported your idea. Or, if you're writing a history paper, you can find writings from other scholars who support your interpretation of a particular historical event or time period. Basically, it's a way of showing that you've done your research, and that your thesis fits in with other research being done in the field.
Here's an example of what this type of paragraph would look like:
While it is the most talked about symbol in The Great Gatsby, the green light is not the only important image the recurs throughout the novel. Images of ash and dust appears in many scenes, particularly in and around the home of the Wilsons. Fitzgerald describes the "ash-grey men, who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air," and also writes of the "foul dust [that] floated in the wake of his [Gatsby's] dreams" (Fitzgerald p. 115, 3). The prevalence of the images of dust and ash reinforce the theme of moral disintegration that is so pronounced throughout the novel. The ash-heap that surrounds the Wilson home is particularly dark and dirty. As the critic Charles Weaks noted, "the ash serves to remind that reader that no brightness, no slice of light or happiness, can be found shining on the Wilsons" (Weaks, p. 314). As the site of Myrtle's hopeless dreaming and gruesome death, the ash heap represents the moral quagmire that drags down all dreamers in the novel.
Present opposing viewpoints. A thesis is only interesting if it's open to interpretation. There's nothing challenging or exciting about reading a paper that argues something that isn't really arguable - if the reader already agrees with you, then why should they bother reading your carefully planned evidence? That's why it's important to show that your thesis is debatable: choosing secondary sources that present an opposing point of view is actually a great way to strengthen your argument and liven up your paper. Instead of just laying out your pieces of evidence one by one, you can instead set up a debate by showing the opposing point of view and then explaining why it's false. For example, in a history paper you might cite a source that supports the idea that Thomas Jefferson was an unapologetic slave owner, then go on to show how this argument is based on an incorrect reading of a letter. In an English paper, you might cite a source who argues that The Great Gatsby's narrator is a hypocrite for rejected Tom and Daisy but staying loyal to Gatsby, then list evidence from the text that refutes that idea.
Here's an example of how to use opposing secondary sources in a paper:
Many historians have noted the obvious hypocrisy of a man famous for penning the phrase "all men are created equal" also owning hundreds of slaves. Some historians have tried to downplay the dissonance of Jefferson's position by noting that, in the times in which he lived, it would have been almost impossible for Jefferson to act out any abolitionist leanings he may have had. Historian Walter Smith-Hawks noted that, had he freed his slaves, the aristocratic Jefferson "would have been left destitute, with a failed plantation and no means by which to support his dreams of a new, independent United States" (Smith Hawks, p. 56). This argument, however, holds little weight when held up against the moral imperative that all men should be free - a maxim that Jefferson publicly supported but privately abhorred. After all, no one has claimed that the act of freeing his slaves would have been easy. Indeed, it is generally acknowledged that it would have been an extremely difficult process, and in the face of this challenge, Jefferson fell noticeably short.
Provide background information. Sometimes you just need a secondary source in order to provide background information for the reader. Maybe you need to provide historical context for a novel in an English paper or discuss the development of a particular technology for a science paper. The sources won't be cited as part of your thesis, but instead are just used to provide context. Keep in mind that if you're citing secondary sources to support facts that are important to your paper, you're relying on the credibility of the source to make your paper believable. That means you need to find reliable sources (not questionable websites or obviously biased writing).
Here's an example of how to use secondary sources to provide background information:
Austen lived at a time in which upper-class women had no occupation other than this so-called education. Women of Austen's standing spent their time stitching, playing musical instruments, or painting; they were not encouraged to develop their minds or look for intellectual pursuits. An educated woman was one who "could enchant the company with her skill on the piano forte and with her fine voice, and who would then fade into the background when the men decided to speak of serious things" (West, p. 82). As a talented writer and thinker, Austen obviously took issue with the strict confines of her expected role. Indeed, in many of her novels she subtly and not-so-subtly mocks the fine ladies and gentlemen who take up the mantle of a proper lady's "education."

How to find secondary sources?

It might seem like this is a topic that should have been addressed first - we have to find sources in order to use them, right? But knowing what you want to do with sources is a crucial part of the research process. As you're looking through the library or at online journal databases, having an idea of what kind of sources you'll need will help you weed out the sources you don't want. If you have a thesis, then as you search for secondary sources you can evaluate how you would use them. Do they support your thesis? Do they present evidence that counters your argument? Do they provide helpful background information? As you collect sources to use, make a note of how you plan to integrate them into your paper - it will save you a lot of time and hassle later.
Even if you don't know what you want to write your paper about, you need to be asking yourself the same questions as you read through pages and pages of research. Look for ideas or evidence that jumps out as you as something you either agree or disagree with strongly. Also look for how other scholars are using primary and secondary materials in their work: following the trail of citations will often lead to new sources and can help you better understand a topic.

Our TOP writers

TOP 10
Writer 155864
ID 155864

Master's in Project Management, PMP, Six Sigma

Rating 97.2%
(97.2%)
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (8) about writer 155864

1259 written pages

315 orders

299 a+ papers

My Master’s degree and comprehensive writing experience allow me to complete any order fast and hit the nail on the head every time.

hire writer
TOP 10
Writer 121526
ID 121526

MBA, PMP, ITIL

Rating 99.3%
(99.3%)
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (7) about writer 121526

3560 written pages

509 orders

473 a+ papers

I am experienced writer with an MBA, PMP, ITIL, that consistently delivers unique, quality papers. I take pride in my experience and quickness.

hire writer
TOP 10
Writer 47072
ID 47072

MS in Human Resource Management

Rating 99.2%
(99.2%)
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (9) about writer 47072

19383 written pages

3877 orders

3528 a+ papers

I hold a MS degree in Human Resource and my goal is to help students with flawless, unique papers, delivered on time.

hire writer
TOP 10
Writer 106387
ID 106387

RN, MSN, PCN, PHN

Rating 99%
(99%)
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (6) about writer 106387

5609 written pages

561 orders

539 a+ papers

As Registered Nurse (RN, PCN), I can quickly deal with any medical paper. My expertise and writing skills are perfect for this job.

hire writer
TOP 10
Writer 128170
ID 128170

MPA, MHA

Rating 99.5%
(99.5%)
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (8) about writer 128170

3787 written pages

758 orders

690 a+ papers

I have MPA, MHA degrees but, most importantly, experience and skills to provide unique, well-written papers on time.

hire writer
TOP 10
Writer 99022
ID 99022

DNP, BA, APN, PMHNP-BC

Rating 97.1%
(97.1%)
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (9) about writer 99022

7168 written pages

897 orders

807 a+ papers

I can write about multiple areas and countless topics, as I have a DNP and BA degrees. High-quality writing is my second name.

hire writer
TOP 10
Writer 117750
ID 117750

PhD in American History

Rating 97.4%
(97.4%)
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (8) about writer 117750

18265 written pages

2610 orders

2349 a+ papers

A PhD in American history comes handy. Unique papers, any topics, swift delivery — helping with academic writing is my passion.

hire writer
TOP 10
Writer 99423
ID 99423

MA, PsyD, LMFT

Rating 98.5%
(98.5%)
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (7) about writer 99423

21748 written pages

2417 orders

2344 a+ papers

Incredibly fast PsyD writer. Efficient paper writing for college. Hundreds of different tasks finished. Satisfaction guaranteed.

hire writer
TOP 10
Writer 85466
ID 85466

MEd, NCC, LPC, LMFT

Rating 97.6%
(97.6%)
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (9) about writer 85466

6853 written pages

2287 orders

2173 a+ papers

Top-ranked writer with tons of experience. Ready to take on any task, and make it unique, as well as objectively good. Always ready!

hire writer
TOP 10
Writer 124685
ID 124685

MSW, LICSWA, DSW-C

Rating 98.8%
(98.8%)
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (8) about writer 124685

2522 written pages

316 orders

294 a+ papers

Experienced Social Work expert focused on good writing, total uniqueness, and customer satisfaction. My goal — to help YOU.

hire writer

Buy your papers from the best writing service

Have your tasks done by our professionals to get the best possible results.

total: $11.23
Confidentiality

NO Billing information is kept with us. You pay through secure and verified payment systems.

Quality

All papers we provide are of the highest quality with a well-researched material, proper format and citation style.

Communication

Our 24/7 Support team is available to assist you at any time. You also can communicate with your writer during the whole process.

Authorship

You are the single owner of the completed order. We DO NOT resell any papers written by our expert

Originality

All orders are done from scratch following your instructions. Also, papers are reviewed for plagiarism and grammar mistakes.

Samples

You can check the quality of our work by looking at various paper examples in the Samples section on our website.

Special price $11.23/page
Place an order
63,000
more than 63,000 times students trusted us to write their papers
9/10
9 out of 10 customers recommend us*
92%
92% of our customers have placed more than 7 orders
*data is based on 6,568 customers' feedback received from Jan 1, 2017 till Jan 1, 2018.
Special price $11.23/page
Place an order
Customer #3797

Referencing was weak. I liked the paper you wrote but I had to edit my paper to change some quotes. I would ask you to revise it but had no time. Next time I plan to use you, will for sure order in advance.

Customer #3699

Took more than expected. You already completed 5 papers for me and 4 went really good but last one took you more time than usual. First writer did not understand my instructions right and I just lost time, but second writer was just great and saved me. Thank you and I want you to hire more writers like mine!

Estimated Deadline: Tuesday, Apr 09 3:34 PM in Your timezone
Total price: $11.23
Price starts from $11.23
Regular discounts and offers
Excellent results guaranteed
Professional 24/7 support

Free samples of our work

There are different types of essays: narrative, persuasive, compare\contrast, definition and many many others. They are written using a required citation style, where the most common are APA and MLA. We want to share some of the essays samples written on various topics using different citation styles.

services
Hey, you...Yes, you! Don’t you want to get your Discount?
binder1
binder2
Your discount will be
sent to the email!

I have read and agree to the Terms of Use, Money Back Guarantee, Privacy and Cookie Policy of BestCustomWriting.com

  • dmca_logo
  • safecharge
  • trustpilot

Use your opportunity to get a discount!

To get your special discount, write your email below

  • dmca_logo
  • safecharge
  • trustpilot

Best papers and best prices!

Want to get quality paper done on time cheaper?

  • dmca_logo
  • safecharge
  • trustpilot