As a university student, you are expected to use credible sources in your assessments and course work. A credible source is one that is written by someone who is an expert in their discipline and is free of errors and bias. This guide explains the difference between credible, scholarly and peer-reviewed sources.
Primary, secondary and tertiary resources provide different types of information.
| Type of source | Description | Example sources |
|---|---|---|
| Primary |
First-hand account of an event or discovery. Source communicates original research, thought or opinion. |
|
| Secondary |
Second-hand account of an event or topic. Source provides analysis, discussion or review of primary materials. |
|
| Tertiary |
Combination of primary and secondary sources. Source provides an overview or summary of other sources. |
|
Note: Source type may vary according to your discipline.