1|Page

PRELIMINARY COVERAGE
LESSON 2:
Primary vs. Secondary Sources of Historical Data

A. HISTORICAL DATA

Historical data is derived from artifacts and remnants of the past. These artifacts can be either physical
remains or relics, or they can be accounts given by individuals who witnessed the events of the past.

Historical Sources: Historical sources are the materials that historians use to derive meaning and
construct narratives about the past.

Historical Interpretation: Constructing meaning from historical sources results in historical

interpretation. This interpretation is essentially an argument or a narrative about the event.

Relics, Artifacts, and Remains: These are physical objects that provide researchers with insights into
the past. For instance, the remains of a prehistoric settlement. Artifacts can be discovered wherever there
are remnants of human activity. Examples of artifacts include a fragment of pottery, a coin, a ruin, a
manuscript, a book, a portrait, a stamp, a piece of wreckage, a strand of hair, or other archaeological or
anthropological remains.

However, these objects are not the events themselves; if they are written documents, they may be the
outcomes or records of events. Whether artifacts or documents, they are the materials from which history
can be written (Howell and Prevenier, 2001).

Testimonies of Witnesses: These can be either oral or written and may have been created to serve as
records or other purposes. They describe an event, such as the record of a property exchange, speeches,
and commentaries. These testimonies provide a first-hand account of the events and are invaluable
sources of historical data.

B. WRITTEN SOURCES

1. Narratives or Literature: These are chronicles or written accounts intended to convey a specific
message. The motivations behind their creation can vary greatly. For instance:
a. scientific tract is typically composed in contemporaries or succeeding generations;
b. newspaper article might be instead to shape opinion;
c. personal narratives such as a diary or memoir might be composed to persuade readers of the
justice of the author's actions;
d. novel or film might be made to entertain, to deliver a moral teaching, or to further a religious
cause;
e. biography might be written in praise of the subject's worth and achievements (a panegyric, a
public speech or published text in praise of someone or something, or hagiography, the writing
of the lives of saints).
REFERENCE:
Ligan, V., Apsay, L., Espino, L., Porras, C., Salinas, E., Lemana, J. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Mandaluyong City,
Philippines. Mutya Publishing.
2|Page
Therefore, a narrative source encompasses more than what is typically considered fiction (Howell &
Prevenier, 2001).

2. Diplomatic Sources: These are documents that record an existing legal situation or establish a new
one. Historians have traditionally regarded these sources as the most reliable.
a. A charter is an example of a legal instrument.
b. Legal documents are usually sealed or authenticated to provide evidence of a completed legal
transaction and can be used as evidence in a court of law if a dispute arises.
c. Legal instruments issued by public authorities (such as kings, popes, the Supreme Court of the
Philippines, and the Philippine Congress)
d. Documents involving only private parties (such as a will or a mortgage agreement).
3. Social Documents: These are records that contain information of economic, social, political, or
judicial significance. They are typically maintained by bureaucracies and can include:
a. government reports,
b. municipal accounts,
c. research findings,
d. parliamentary procedures,
e. civil registry records,
f. property registers, and census records.

These documents provide a wealth of information about the societal context in which they were created.

C. UNWRITTEN SOURCES

Unwritten Sources are as crucial as written sources in historical research. There are two primary types
of non-written sources:

1. Material Evidence: Also known as archaeological evidence. This category includes physical artifacts
such as:
a. pottery,
b. jewelry,
c. dwellings,
d. graves,
e. churches,
f. roads, and more.

These items serve as silent narrators of the past, providing insights into the lifestyles, cultures, and
practices of ancient societies. They can reveal significant information about the socio-cultural
relationships between different groups, especially when similar objects are discovered in multiple
locations. The presence of certain artifacts in various places can also indicate commercial exchanges
that occurred in the past.

2. Oral Evidence: This category encompasses the stories, sagas, folk songs, and popular rituals of
ancient peoples, which have been passed down through generations. In the context of Philippine
REFERENCE:
Ligan, V., Apsay, L., Espino, L., Porras, C., Salinas, E., Lemana, J. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Mandaluyong City,
Philippines. Mutya Publishing.
3|Page
history, these oral traditions from the premodern period offer a rich source of historical data. In
the present age, interviews have become a major form of oral evidence, providing first-hand
accounts and personal perspectives on historical events.

D. PRIMARY SOURCES AND SECONDARY SOURCES

Two general kinds of historical sources

1. Primary sources are original materials that provide a direct, first-hand account of a specific event or
period. These sources are typically created during or close to the time of the event or period they
describe. They are factual and original, not interpretive, and their main function is to provide factual
information.

Here are some examples of primary sources:

• Diaries and Journals: These personal records provide first-hand accounts of events, experiences,
and thoughts.
• Letters: Correspondence can offer insights into the events, relationships, and perspectives of the
past.
• Newspaper and Magazine Articles: These provide contemporary accounts of events, public
opinion, and cultural context.
• Government Records: Records such as census data, marriage certificates, and military records
provide official documentation of various aspects of life.
• Photographs: These capture moments in time and can provide visual context for events or periods.
• Maps: These can show geographical context and changes over time.
• Postcards and Posters: These can provide insights into the culture, advertising, and
communication of a period.
• Recorded or Transcribed Speeches: These provide first-hand accounts of what was said by
individuals during a particular event or time.
• Interviews: Conversations with participants or witnesses, or with people who lived during a
certain time, can provide personal perspectives and first-hand accounts.
• Songs, Plays, Novels, and Stories: These cultural artifacts can reflect the ideas, values, and
experiences of a period.
• Artworks: Paintings, drawings, and sculptures can provide insights into the aesthetics, values,
and social context of the time they were created.

2. Secondary sources are materials that are created well after the events they describe have occurred.
These sources provide valuable interpretations of historical events and are typically based on the
analysis and interpretation of primary sources. In essence, a secondary source offers a second-hand
account or interpretation of a historical event.

Here are some examples of secondary sources:

REFERENCE:
Ligan, V., Apsay, L., Espino, L., Porras, C., Salinas, E., Lemana, J. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Mandaluyong City,
Philippines. Mutya Publishing.
4|Page
• Biographies: These are detailed accounts of a person’s life, written by someone else, often long
after the subject’s lifetime.
• Histories: These are comprehensive narratives or analyses of events or periods, written with the
benefit of hindsight.
• Literary Criticism: This involves the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of literary works,
often conducted by scholars who were not contemporaries of the authors they are studying.
• Books About Historical Events: These are written by a third party, often a historian or scholar,
who was not present at the events they are describing.
• Art and Theater Reviews: These are critiques and evaluations of artistic and theatrical works,
written by critics who are interpreting the works for their readers.
• Newspaper Journal Articles that Interpret: These articles analyze and interpret events, trends,
or phenomena for their readers, providing a second-hand account or interpretation of the
subjects they cover.

E. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES

Primary sources offer numerous advantages in the study of history:

1. Unfiltered Access: Primary sources provide direct, unfiltered access to the past. They are original
records of artistic, social, scientific, and political thought and achievement from a specific period,
created by individuals who lived during that time. This unmediated access allows for a more
accurate understanding of the past.
2. Authenticity: These sources are original and authentic, not interpretations or second-hand
accounts. They present facts as they were observed or experienced by people of the time.
3. Personal Perspective: Primary sources often have a deeply personal aspect. They can include
personal documents and objects that give a real sense of what it was like to be alive during a
particular era. This personal perspective can provide a more nuanced and humanized view of
history.
4. Diverse Insights: Primary sources can include a wide range of materials, from official documents
to personal letters, from works of art to everyday objects. This diversity allows for a more
comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of the past.

Primary sources are invaluable in historical research. They provide a direct window into the past, offering
unfiltered and authentic insights into the thoughts, achievements, and experiences of people from bygone
eras. Their personal and diverse nature brings history to life, making it more relatable and
understandable.

While primary sources are invaluable for historical research, they also present certain challenges:

1. Creator Bias: Primary sources are created by individuals who may have personal or cultural
biases. These biases can influence the content of the source, making it subjective. This can
challenge students’ assumptions and require them to critically evaluate the source.

REFERENCE:
Ligan, V., Apsay, L., Espino, L., Porras, C., Salinas, E., Lemana, J. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Mandaluyong City,
Philippines. Mutya Publishing.
5|Page
2. Purpose and Point of View: The purpose for which a primary source was created and the point of
view of its creator can influence the information it presents. This requires students to consider
these factors when interpreting the source.
3. Incomplete and Lack of Context: Primary sources often provide only a partial view of an event
or period and may lack context. This requires students to use their prior knowledge and analyze
multiple primary sources to piece together a comprehensive understanding.
4. Need for Inference: Analyzing primary sources often involves moving from concrete observations
and facts to making inferences about the material. This can be a complex process that requires
critical thinking skills.

Primary sources provide a direct window into the past, they also pose challenges that require careful and
critical analysis. Students must be aware of these challenges and develop the necessary skills to effectively
interpret primary sources.

Secondary sources offer a multitude of benefits:

1. Comprehensive Analysis: Secondary sources provide a comprehensive analysis of the original

information. They delve into the details, dissecting the information to present a thorough
understanding of the subject.
2. Synthesis of Information: These sources synthesize information from various primary sources,
providing a cohesive view of the topic. This synthesis helps in understanding the broader context
and interconnections between different pieces of information.
3. Interpretation and Evaluation: Secondary sources interpret and evaluate the original
information. They provide insights into the implications of the data, its relevance, and its impact.
This interpretation and evaluation can be crucial in understanding the significance of the
information.
4. Historical and Background Information: Secondary sources are excellent for uncovering
historical or background information about a topic. They provide a broader context, helping you
understand the evolution of the topic and its historical significance.
5. Exposure to Different Perspectives: Secondary sources expose you to a variety of perspectives,
interpretations, and conclusions. This exposure can broaden your understanding of the topic,
allowing you to see it from different angles and appreciate its complexity.
6. Expert Views and Consolidation of Primary Sources: Secondary sources allow readers to access
expert views on events. They often consolidate multiple primary sources relevant to the subject
matter, providing a comprehensive view of the topic.

Secondary sources play a vital role in research by providing analysis, synthesis, interpretation, and
evaluation of primary information. They offer historical context, expose readers to various perspectives,
and consolidate information from multiple primary sources. This makes them an invaluable resource in
the pursuit of knowledge.

REFERENCE:
Ligan, V., Apsay, L., Espino, L., Porras, C., Salinas, E., Lemana, J. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Mandaluyong City,
Philippines. Mutya Publishing.
6|Page

While secondary sources offer numerous benefits, they also come with certain drawbacks:

1. Potential Bias: Secondary sources may contain biases due to the authors’ interpretations or
perspectives. This could potentially skew the information presented and lead to a distorted
understanding of the topic.
2. Outdated Information: Secondary sources, especially those that provide historical or background
information, may contain outdated information. This could be misleading if the topic has evolved
or changed over time.
3. Lack of Original Context: While secondary sources synthesize information from various primary
sources, they might miss out on the original context in which the primary information was
presented. This could lead to misinterpretations.
4. Dependence on Primary Sources: Secondary sources are dependent on primary sources. If the
primary sources are inaccurate or flawed, the secondary sources that rely on them will also be
flawed.
5. Limited Scope: Secondary sources might not cover all aspects of a topic. They might focus on
specific aspects based on the authors’ interests or expertise, potentially leaving out other
important aspects.
6. Lack of First-Hand Information: Secondary sources do not provide first-hand information or
direct evidence. They offer an interpretation of the primary sources, which might not be as
impactful or convincing as the original data or evidence.

Secondary sources are valuable for their analysis, synthesis, interpretation, and evaluation of primary
information, they also have potential drawbacks. These include potential bias, outdated information, loss
of original context, dependence on primary sources, limited scope, and lack of first-hand information. It’s
important to consider these factors when using secondary sources for research or decision-making.

Edited and prepared by:

MS. LENDYL A. CORONEL
RPH Instructor – CAS, HSBS

REFERENCE:
Ligan, V., Apsay, L., Espino, L., Porras, C., Salinas, E., Lemana, J. (2018). Readings in Philippine History. Mandaluyong City,
Philippines. Mutya Publishing.