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Chinese Cultural Revolution (1966-1976): Newspapers and Websites

Evaluating Resources

Critical evaluation of information sources is an important skill to develop. See the library tutorial on evaluating resources:

Primary Sources vs. Secondary Sources

Primary Sources are immediate, first-hand accounts of a topic, from people who had a direct connection with it. Primary sources can include:

  • Texts of laws and other original documents.

  •  Newspaper reports, by reporters who witnessed an event or who quote people who did.

  •  Speeches, diaries, letters and interviews - what the people involved said or wrote.

  • Original research.

  • Datasets, survey data, such as census or economic statistics.

  • Photographs, video, or audio that capture an event.

  • Raw data.

Secondary Sources are one step removed from primary sources, though they often quote or otherwise use primary sources. They can cover the same topic, but add a layer of interpretation and analysis. Secondary sources can include:

  • Most books about a topic.
  • Analysis or interpretation of data.
  • Scholarly or other articles about a topic, especially by people not directly involved.
  • Documentaries (though they often include photos or video portions that can be considered primary sources).

Primary Sources

Newspapers and Websites in Chinese Cultural Revolution

Subject Guide

Profile Photo
Xiaorong Shao
Contact:
shaox@appstate.edu

Room 138, Belk Library
(828) 262-7714
Website