Textbooks are what kind of source

If this textbook resembled a dictionary, then it would have to be referenced as a tertiary source. To give an idea, if it did not have any textual reference, like an introduction or explanations of mathematical theories, then it would be a tertiary source. Still, it could be referenced as a primary source in a study about textbooks for IB diploma students in the last 10 years.

A science textbook can either be a secondary or tertiary source and, in seldom cases, a primary source. Need personalized help? See our schedule. Richard G. Trefry Library LibAnswers. Warning: Your browser has javascript disabled.

Without javascript some functions will not work, including question submission via the form. What are primary, secondary, and tertiary sources? Toggle menu visibility.

Search for answers:. Sources of information or evidence are often categorized as primary, secondary, or tertiary material. These classifications are based on the originality of the material and the proximity of the source or origin. This informs the reader as to whether the author is reporting information that is first hand or is conveying the experiences and opinions of others which is considered second hand. Determining if a source is primary, secondary or tertiary can be tricky.

Below you will find a description of the three categories of information and examples to help you make a determination. Welcome Ch. Why Cite? What Is a Citation? 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.