Question

practice: planning your research
noel is writing a paper on the effects of climate change in antarctica. he would like to review the conclusions that have been reached so far by experts in environmental studies. which type of sources would best suit noels needs?
a secondary source, such as an article from an academic journal
a primary source, such as a questionnaire he creates himself
observational analysis and corresponding notes
directions: sarah is planning to write an essay that investigates the vast increase in recent years of war veterans without permanent housing in her hometown of lansing, michigan. the following table shows the sources that sarah will use in her research. indicate whether each of sarahs sources is a primary or secondary source.
sarahs sources primary secondary
a survey sarah conducted to see how many war veterans in lansing are without permanent housing
a journal article that discusses the reasons some veterans have trouble entering the work force after leaving the military
a recording of an interview of a local veteran without permanent housing
a book that analyzes causes of homelessness written by a prominent sociologist
the memoir of a war veteran who was without permanent housing in lansing for a number of years but eventually became a successful businessperson

Explanation:

• For Noel's question:
• A secondary source, such as an article from an academic journal, is best. Secondary sources analyze, interpret, or review primary sources. Since Noel wants to review experts' conclusions (which are likely based on primary research like observational data, questionnaires etc. that experts have done), an academic journal article (a secondary source) fits. A primary source like a questionnaire he creates himself would be original data collection (not reviewing others' conclusions). Observational analysis and notes are more of a primary - data - collection - related approach (if he were doing his own observations) rather than reviewing experts' work.
• For Sarah's sources:
• A survey Sarah conducted: Primary source. It is original data collection by Sarah herself.
• A journal article discussing veterans' workforce issues: Secondary source. It analyzes and interprets data (likely from primary sources like interviews, surveys of veterans etc.).
• A recording of an interview of a local veteran: Primary source. It is direct, original data from the veteran.
• A book analyzing homelessness causes by a sociologist: Secondary source. The sociologist is analyzing and interpreting data (from primary sources like case - studies, surveys etc.).
• The memoir of a war veteran: Primary source. It is the veteran's own, original account of their experiences.

Answer:

• Noel: A. A secondary source, such as an article from an academic journal
• Sarah's sources:
• A survey Sarah conducted: Primary
• A journal article: Secondary
• A recording of an interview: Primary
• A book by a sociologist: Secondary
• The memoir of a war veteran: Primary