The term primary source can mean different things to different disciplines:
In the Humanities, a primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event.
Some examples of these primary sources include:
In the Sciences, a primary source is a report of scientific discoveries, the results of experiments, clinical trials, or social and political science research.
Some examples of these primary sources include:
In both cases, primary sources are factual, not interpretive.
A secondary source can also mean different things to different disciplines:
In the Humanities, secondary sources analyze and interpret primary sources, offer a second-hand account of an historical event, or interpret a creative work.
Some examples of these secondary sources include:
In the Sciences, secondary sources analyze and interpret research results, and/or analyze and interpret scientific discoveries.
Some examples of these secondary sources include: