Can I Cite A Secondary Source?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Secondary sources refer to sources that report on the content of other published sources. Citing a source within a source (citing a secondary source) is

generally acceptable within academic writing

as long as these are kept to a minimum.

How do you cite a secondary source in APA?

  1. Provide a reference list entry for the secondary source you are citing.
  2. In the text, identify the primary source and then write “as cited in” the secondary source that you used.
  3. If the year of publication is known for the primary source, also include it in the text.

How do you cite a secondary work source?

  1. Provide a reference list entry for the secondary source you are citing.
  2. In the text, identify the primary source and then write “as cited in” the secondary source that you used.
  3. If the year of publication is known for the primary source, also include it in the text.

How do you cite a secondary source in MLA?

To cite a source from a secondary source,

mention both the original and secondary sources in the text

, and list only the secondary source in the works-cited list entry. MLA requires you to use the abbreviation qtd. in (“quoted in”) before the indirect source you cite in your parenthetical reference.

How do you cite a primary source in a secondary source?

Your

in-text

should include both authors: the author(s) of the original source and the author(s) of the secondary source. For example: (Habermehl, 1985, as cited in Kersten, 1987). In your reference list you should provide the details of the secondary source (the source you read).

What are examples of a secondary source?

  • journal articles that comment on or analyse research.
  • textbooks.
  • dictionaries and encyclopaedias.
  • books that interpret, analyse.
  • political commentary.
  • biographies.
  • dissertations.
  • newspaper editorial/opinion pieces.

Do I cite the original source or secondary MLA?


MLA recommends using secondary sources sparingly

. If possible try to locate the original source of information cited in the a work. However, this may not be possible. Sometimes the original work is unavailable through usual sources or not available in English.

How do you write a secondary source in an essay?

  1. 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. …
  2. Present opposing viewpoints. A thesis is only interesting if it's open to interpretation. …
  3. Provide background information.

What is needed to correctly cite information paraphrased from another source?

MLA format follows the author-page method of in-text citation. This means that the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear on your Works Cited page.

What are some examples of primary and secondary sources?

Primary source Secondary source Photographs of a historical event Documentary about the historical event Government documents about a new policy Newspaper article about the new policy Music recordings Academic book about the musical style

What is a primary vs secondary source?

While primary sources are the original records created by firsthand witnesses of an event,

secondary sources are documents, texts, images, and objects about an event created by someone who typically referenced the primary sources for their information

. Textbooks are excellent examples of secondary sources.

What are some examples of a primary source?

  • archives and manuscript material.
  • photographs, audio recordings, video recordings, films.
  • journals, letters and diaries.
  • speeches.
  • scrapbooks.
  • published books, newspapers and magazine clippings published at the time.
  • government publications.
  • oral histories.

Which is the best example of a secondary source?

  • journal articles that comment on or analyse research.
  • textbooks.
  • dictionaries and encyclopaedias.
  • books that interpret, analyse.
  • political commentary.
  • biographies.
  • dissertations.
  • newspaper editorial/opinion pieces.

Is interview primary source or secondary?


Primary sources

are materials directly related to a topic by time or participation. These materials include letters, speeches, diaries, newspaper articles from the time, oral history interviews, documents, photographs, artifacts, or anything else that provides firsthand accounts about a person or event.

Is a video a secondary source?

Secondary sources can include: …

Documentaries

(though they often include photos or video portions that can be considered primary sources).

How do you cite a secondary source in APA 7th edition?

  1. Provide a reference list entry for the secondary source you are citing.
  2. In the text, identify the primary source and then write “as cited in” the secondary source that you used.
  3. If the year of publication is known for the primary source, also include it in the text.
Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.