Have you ever read a diary? If so, you have already consulted a primary source. This type of source is a valuable tool to get the researcher as close to the original thoughts or events as possible.
If you really want to make your research project stand out, it’s a good idea to take the necessary time to find a good primary source that reflects something relevant to your topic.
Most primary sources are unpublished materials, although they don’t have to be. A letter, memoir, or even some government records are all examples.
Several libraries have “special collections” or archives where they keep just such records. But sometimes, you don’t have to go that far. Primary sources can also show up in your grandmother’s attic!
Here’s an example of a primary source that would make your research project zing. Imagine that you’re doing a research paper on “Women in the Vietnam War.” Do you have a relative who served? If so, you may find a diary or letter in your family collections that reflect the feelings of women who went—or even those who stayed at home, worrying about a loved one.
That letter would make a great contribution to your paper! But you don’t have to worry if your family didn’t write things down. If you know someone who had a relevant experience, you can interview that person. The interview would be considered as a relevant source, sometimes called an oral history.
No matter what topic you choose, you’ll improve your paper with diverse sources. A first-hand account from your elders would likely enhance your paper and your grade!
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