Answer:

Here is an example of a research process using primary, secondary, and tertiary sources:

Topic 1: The Civil War

Primary source: diaries of Union and Confederate soldiers

Description: Primary sources are direct accounts or recordings from the time period being studied. In this case, the diaries from soldiers involved in the Civil War can provide first-hand accounts of the events and feelings surrounding the war.

Secondary source: The Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

Description: Secondary sources are analysis or interpretation of the information in primary sources. In this case, Grant's memoir can provide context and interpretation of the events of the Civil War.

Tertiary source: An online curriculum about the Civil War

Description: Tertiary sources are overviews and summaries of the information in primary and secondary sources. The online curriculum can provide a broader overview of the events, causes, and consequences of the Civil War.

This research process demonstrates how to use different types of sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of a topic. By accessing primary sources, secondary sources, and tertiary sources, a researcher can gain a more nuanced and informed perspective on the topic being studied.

Explanation:

Primary sources refer to original raw evidence or data that is collected firsthand. These sources provide direct information and include documents, interviews, surveys, experiments, and statistical data that researchers collect themselves. For example, interview transcripts or statistical data obtained through surveys.

Secondary sources, on the other hand, offer an analysis or restatement of primary sources. They interpret, summarize, or provide additional value to primary sources. Secondary sources can include books, articles, commentaries, or reviews that analyze or discuss primary sources. These sources help researchers gain a better understanding of the primary sources and provide different perspectives on the topic.

Tertiary sources are sources that compile and summarize information from primary and secondary sources. They are usually reference materials like encyclopedias, textbooks, or databases that provide an overview or general information on a particular topic. Tertiary sources are helpful for getting an introduction or background information on a subject before diving into more specific research.

In my research, I found several sources that explain the concept of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources. The University of Minnesota provides a comprehensive guide that describes the characteristics and examples of each source type [^1^]. Grad Coach also offers a detailed explanation of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, along with examples [^2^]. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Library Guides provide information on different types of information sources, including primary, secondary, and tertiary sources [^3^]. The University of Michigan-Flint Library Guides also have a section dedicated to primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, with a video explaining primary sources [^4^]. Finally, Cornell University Library has a quick guide that explains the differences among the three source types with examples [^5^].

I hope this information helps you understand the concept of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.

Sources:

1. University of Minnesota Library

2. Grad Coach

3. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Library Guides

4. University of Michigan-Flint Library Guides

5. Cornell University Library