Question

1 What is the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources? Give an example of each.
2 What are the key elements of a research work plan?
3 What is a desktop search tool and how can it help you?
4 What is the effect of using quotation marks around search terms in web or database searches? What happens if you do not use quotation marks?
5 Explain the three criteria for evaluating whether a source is credible.
6 Name two advantages of conducting survey research and two advantages of conducting interview research.
7 Identify at least two ways to find experts you can interview on a topic.
8 What is anecdotal evidence and how may it be useful in your research?
9 What are two benefits of organizing and storing research materials online, in the cloud, rather than just on your computer?

Answer 1

Answer: Question 1:

Difference Between Brimary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources

Data from an experiment is a primary source. Secondary sources are one step removed from that. ... Tertiary sources summarize or synthesize the research in secondary sources. For example, textbooks and reference books are tertiary sources.

The distinction between primary, secondary and tertiary sources hinges on how far from the original event or phenomenon the information source is created. Is it first-hand knowledge? A second-hand interpretation? A third-hand synthesis and summary of what is known?

• Primary sources are created as close to the original event or phenomenon as it is possible to be. For example, a photograph or video of an event is a primary source. Data from an experiment is a primary source.
• Secondary sources are one step removed from that. Secondary sources are based on or about the primary sources. For example, articles and books in which authors interpret data from another research team's experiment or archival footage of an event are usually considered secondary sources.
• Tertiary sources are one further step removed from that. Tertiary sources summarize or synthesize the research in secondary sources. For example, textbooks and reference books are tertiary sources.

The distinctions between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources can be ambiguous. An individual document may be a primary source in one context and a secondary source in another. While these definitions are clear, the lines begin to blur in the different discipline areas.