Question

According to C.W. Hanson "encyclopaedia article on a subject" would be counted as \(\underline{\hspace{3cm}}\).

• A. Primary Document
• B. Secondary Document
• C. Non-Conventional Document
• D. Tertiary Document

Hint:

Think of the information flow: Primary sources create information, Secondary sources discuss it, and Tertiary sources help you find it. Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and bibliographies are classic examples of tertiary sources.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Information Sources. Information sources are categorized based on their originality and distance from the original event or research. The main categories are primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Step 2: Defining Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources. \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Primary Sources: These are original, first-hand accounts of an event or research. Examples include patents, theses, research reports, and original artworks.} \\ \bullet & \text{Secondary Sources: These sources analyze, interpret, or summarize information from primary sources. Examples include textbooks, review articles, and biographies.} \\ \bullet & \text{Tertiary Sources: These sources compile, index, or organize information from primary and secondary sources to facilitate access. They do not provide new information but act as guides.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Classifying an Encyclopedia Article. An encyclopedia article summarizes information on a subject that has been gathered from various other sources. It does not present new research but rather condenses existing knowledge. This function of compiling and organizing information places it squarely in the category of a tertiary source.