Wikipedia:Identifying and using primary sources: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 02:29, 16 October 2011

Revision as of 23:26, 1 November 2011

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In science, data is primary, and the first publication of any idea or experimental result is always a primary source. [[Narrative review]]s, [[systematic review]]s and [[meta-analyses]] are considered secondary sources, because they are based on ''and analyze or interpret'' (rather than merely citing) these original experimental reports.

In the fine arts, a work of art is always a primary source. This means that novels, plays, paintings, sculptures, and such are always primary sources. Statements made by or works written by the artists about their artwork might be primary or secondary. Critiques and reviews by art critics are usually considered secondary sources, although exceptions exist. For example, an account of the specific circumstances under which the critic viewed the artwork is primary material, as is the critics' description of his or her personal emotional reaction to the piece. As a result, some critiques and reviews are a mix of primary and secondary material.

===Not a matter of counting the number of links in the chain===