Secondary source
A later work that analyzes, interprets or summarizes primary material.
What it means
A secondary source is written after the fact. It analyzes, interprets or evaluates original material. Textbooks, review articles, news analysis and most market reports are secondary sources. They are useful for context, but they sit one step removed from the event or dataset they describe.
Secondary sources can be valuable, but they need checking. A summary can drop a qualifier, round a number or misstate a date. Trace each key claim back to the primary record where you can. Deep research reports are often secondary sources themselves, so the same check applies to the tool's output. A useful habit is to write the original source next to each claim in your own notes, so the trail survives the first draft.
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Cite this entry
https://bestaifordeepresearch.com/glossary/secondary-source/