Which of the following is an example of a secondary source?

The Correct answer is A biography of a famous scientist.

Key Points

• A secondary source interprets, analyzes, or summarizes primary sources rather than providing direct, firsthand accounts.
• A biography of a famous scientist: It is a secondary source because it interprets and compiles information from primary sources such as letters, interviews, and research papers.
• A court transcription: This is a primary source as it is a direct record of court proceedings.
• A scientific experiment: A firsthand experiment is a primary source.
• A public speech by a political leader: A speech is a primary source, as it is an original document.

Additional Information

• Primary Source-
  • The primary source of information carries newly generated information, original work of research, or a new interpretation of already known facts.
  • The information contained in the primary source is generally scattered and unorganized.
  • Examples are - Primary Periodicals, Monographs, Patents, Trade Literature, Memoranda, etc. 
• Secondary Source-
  • A source that is more or less completely dependent on primary sources for its existence is a secondary source.
  • Information in the secondary source is organized and arranged according to a definite plan.
  • Examples are- Secondary Periodicals, Treatises, Textbooks, Translation, Bibliographic databases, etc.
• Tertiary Source-
  • A source that is primarily dependent on secondary sources or primary and secondary sources for its existence is a tertiary source.
  • These sources act as key to primary sources as well as secondary sources.
  • Examples are- Library Catalogue, Bibliography of bibliographies, Guides to literature, Directory of directories, etc.