Which type of source does a secondary source reference?

A secondary source is a type of source that interprets, analyzes, or summarizes information from primary sources. This means that secondary sources rely on primary sources for their content, providing a layer of commentary or analysis. Primary sources are original materials or evidence created during the time under study, such as diaries, original research articles, or historical documents.

In this context, the distinction is clear: secondary sources do not reference or rely on other secondary sources for their primary arguments, but rather, they utilize primary sources as their foundation. Hence, the statement that a secondary source references only primary sources is accurate.

This reflects a fundamental understanding of source types, where primary sources serve as the raw data or firsthand evidence, while secondary sources build upon that evidence to create analysis or summaries. Tertiary sources, on the other hand, compile and distill information from secondary and primary sources, which makes them distinct from secondary sources. This distinction helps ensure the application of proper research methods and integrity in academic work.