The research sources are the multiple types of documents that provide information and useful knowledge required to conduct research and, consequently, generate knowledge.
These types of sources can also be called sources of information and vary according to the needs of the research process of which they are part.
Every research process begins with the search for information related to a defined topic, and is developed around the various sources available (hypotheses, theories, techniques, among other types of documents).
Research sources allow the researcher to perform a critical analysis of the information. These are chosen according to the proposed research emphasis and can be either primary (interviews, news, original documents, etc.) or secondary (encyclopedias, review of abstracts, bibliographies, etc.).
Primary and secondary sources are equally valid. However, primary sources are known as first-hand sources, while secondary sources are those composed of summary information, related to a specific topic.
All research needs to make use of different types of research sources, in order to ensure that the research is objective and not biased by the opinion of the researcher.
Characteristics of research sources
Research sources are a tool dedicated to the search of information, for the subsequent creation of knowledge. They allow the researcher to be aware of the changes and advances that take place within a particular field or theme.
They are informative resources that have as objective to give concrete answer to questions previously raised. Its usefulness is determined by the information needs of the users (Wigodski, 2010).
These needs vary from one research to another and cover the location and obtaining of specific or general documents on the subject.
How are research sources identified?
The sources of research are basically resources of scientific documentation. To identify them first, it is necessary to delimit the subject to be investigated.
Once this topic is defined, a review of the existing and relevant bibliography on the subject to be treated is made.
It is important to make a critical selection of the material and to constantly review the research approach and the steps that will be followed throughout it. These revisions reduce the possibility of duplicate information.
The sources of research should always be objective, avoiding including the personal opinion of the researcher during the later generation of knowledge.
On the other hand, the research process must be careful and thorough. Only in this way can it be ensured that the knowledge generated is of quality.
Types of sources of research
There are two different types of research sources: primary and secondary (Woodley, 2016).
1 - Primary sources
Primary sources are those used to gain direct access to information.
They are all those that include information first hand, original and without abbreviations. This includes, in general, high-quality documentary production.
characteristics
- They are as reliable and accurate as secondary sources.
- Its content is based on direct evidence or testimony on the subject matter.
- They are written by a person directly involved with the research topic. Therefore, these sources treat the subject from within a particular event.
Classification of primary sources
- Monographs: usually found on the Internet in the form of full texts. The intellectual property of these writings and works has been ceded by the author, or has lost validity in time, and is now of public use.
Although the authors may be natural persons, many of these works are usually published by public institutions. This type of works is usually published and disseminated on the network.
- Personal diary: it is a type of autobiography where the author narrates the events of his daily life. In the recorded thoughts, activities and events of the privacy of the one who writes it (Porto & Merino, Definition of, 2009).
- News: is a piece of information that has never been communicated before. It is a text or information segment that allows the public to be informed about an event (Porto & Merino, 2008). It is a source of first-hand investigative journalism.
- Other: other sources of primary research include novels, minutes, interviews, poetry, research notes, autobiographies, letters and speeches.
2 - Secondary sources
Secondary sources are those that are composed of synthesized or reworked information.
They are the sources of research designed to serve as quick reference tools. They present information in an organized and objective manner, which makes them excellent sources of consultation.
Among the most important secondary sources are encyclopedias, specialized dictionaries, directories, bibliographic repertoires and statistics, among others.
Characteristics of secondary sources
- Analyze and interpret information given by primary sources.
- They stem from the generalization of a topic.
- Analyze, synthesize, interpret and evaluate the information to compendia of the same.
Classification of secondary sources
- Abstract journals: journals are publications that are issued periodically and usually serve as support for any research work (University, 2017). They can be found in online format, which guarantees their access and dissemination in a massive and global way.
Abstracts journals are a source of research that is easy to access and inexpensive. The quality of the images used in them is generally high and allows a communication between the author and the researcher. They usually contain information on various topics in segments or relatively short articles.
- Encyclopedia: the encyclopedia is the most representative reference source of all. It was created in order to solve doubts, collect and share knowledge on various topics. It consists of both text and photographs, illustrations, drawings and maps.
- Specialized dictionaries: is a work composed of terms arranged alphabetically. It seeks to explain the meaning of these terms, within a specific area of knowledge.
- Directories: are lists of individuals (institutions, people, organizations, etc.), organized alphabetically or specific topic. They provide important and easy-to-identify query data.
- Statistics: it is an important research source for decision making and analysis. It is essential to identify patterns of behavior and relevant data that summarize the behavior of a group of individuals in relation to a specific topic.
- Bibliographies: are compendia of bibliographical references selected with care and according to a defined method. These compendia are composed of both online and printed references. Its main objective is to provide valid sources of information on the selected research topic.
- Other: Other secondary research sources include indexes, library catalogs, literary reviews and reviews, and the recording of sources of any academic work.
References
- Porto, J. P., & Merino, M. (2008). from . Obtained from Definition of News: definicion.de
- Porto, J. P., & Merino, M. (2009). Definition of . Retrieved from the definition of diary: definicion.de
- University, B.G. (September 12, 2017). Healey Library . Retrieved from Primary Sources: A Research Guide: umb.libguides.com
- Wigodski, J. (July 8, 2010). Investigation methodology . Obtained from Primary and Secondary Sources: metodologiaeninvestigacion.blogspot.com.co
- Woodley, M. (February 7, 2016). McQuade Library . Retrieved from Three Types of Resources: libguides.merrimack.edu.