A discipline-appropriate source is a piece of information or data that is relevant, credible, and suitable for the specific field of study or discipline in which it is being used. These sources are typically categorized into primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, each serving a different purpose in research and analysis.

Primary Sources

These are original materials or direct evidence from the time period or subject being studied. Examples include: original research articles, historical documents, literary texts, and experimental data.

Secondary Sources

These sources interpret, analyze, or summarize primary sources. They provide commentary, critique, or discussion that is one step removed from the original source. Examples include: review articles, literary criticism, and history books.

Tertiary Sources

These sources compile and summarize information from primary and secondary sources. They are often used for quick reference. Examples include: textbooks, encyclopedias, and dictionaries.

Sources Across Disciplines

A discipline-appropriate source is one that aligns with the standards and expectations of the specific academic or professional field, providing reliable and relevant information to support research, analysis, and understanding within that discipline. Different academic fields use various types of sources to gather information.

In art, a primary source is the original artwork itself, while a secondary source might be an article that critiques or analyzes the artwork. In history, a diary written by an enslaved person serves as a primary source, and a book about the Underground Railroad would be a secondary source.

For literature, a poem written by an author is a primary source, and an analysis or study of that poem or a specific type of poetry is a secondary source. In political science, a treaty or official document is a primary source, and an essay discussing land rights issues for Native Americans would be a secondary source.

In science or social science, a report of an original experiment is a primary source, and a review of several studies on the same topic is a secondary source. In theater, a videotape of a performance is a primary source, and a biography of the playwright is a secondary source.

In simple terms, primary sources are the original materials from the time or subject you’re studying, while secondary sources analyze or explain those primary materials. This distinction helps researchers and students understand and interpret information within their respective fields more effectively.

Here are some images to illustrate these concepts:

Art: Original Artwork
History: Narrative of an Enslaved Person
Literature: Poem by an Author
Political Science: Treaty or Official Document
Science or Social Science: Report of an Original Experiment
Theater: Video Recording of a Performance