Primary Sources in Historical Research
Primary sources are original, firsthand accounts or evidence created by people who directly experienced the events. They are the most reliable foundation for research.
Primary vs Secondary Sources
Primary: Created by direct participants/witnesses at the time of the event (diaries, photos, documents, interviews, artifacts)
Secondary: Created by people who weren’t there, after the event (interpretations, analyses, summaries)
Why They Matter
- Accuracy: Closest to actual truth, less distortion
- Authenticity: Original evidence, preserves context
- Completeness: Details and nuances that get lost in retelling
How to Use
- Cross-reference multiple sources for verification
- Consider creator’s perspective and potential biases
- Place in historical context
- Always question and verify—primary sources can still be biased
Example
Ravi Menon’s investigation used primary sources (production executive, actor, cinematographer’s son, local resident) to debunk incorrect claims about a film’s location.
Related Concepts
- [[Deductive Reasoning - Eliminate the Impossible]] - Using evidence to eliminate possibilities
- [[Source: Bhargavee Nilayam Investigation]]
Source: [[Bhargavee Nilayam Filming Locations - Investigation]]
Linked References
- [[Deductive Reasoning - Eliminate the Impossible]]
When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
- [[Design of Experiments (DoE)]]
A formal way to design a task that explains the variation under conditions.
- [[Bhargavee Nilayam Filming Locations - Investigation]]
Investigation debunking the myth that Bhargavee Nilayam was shot at Nilambur DFO Bungalow.