Source values

Question 1

What are some source values of primary sources?

Answer 1

• Provides first-hand knowledge of the events/topic
• Gives a ‘snapshot’ of opinion at the time

Question 2

What are some source values of private letters, diaries and memoirs?

Answer 2

• Can provide an intimate glimpse into the effects of historical events and the lives of individuals experiencing them first-hand
• If the source was never intended to be read by a larger audience, its contents may be of a more candid and revealing nature
• Valuable as a study of the personality by whom it was written

Question 3

What are some source values of poems and novels?

Answer 3

• Can provide an interesting perspective into the spirit and culture of the time in which it was written
• Can chronicle the experiences and feelings of specific individuals living through a period of history, providing a focused and personal portrait of a time
• Often offer an emotional appeal, allowing the reader to identify more closely with circumstances/individuals of a time
• Can provide information on a certain period of history in a more easily digestible format through engaging the interest of the reader

Question 4

What are some source values of drawings, paintings, cartoons?

Answer 4

• Can effectively capture the spirit of a time, and the opinions and sentiments generally characterising that time
• Contain evidence about a culture at specific moments in history – its customs, styles, preferences, atmosphere, architecture, manner of dress, appearance, etc.
• Examples of art styles of the time
• Comment on the feature of a regime
• Can show how people viewed certain things during this time

Question 5

What are some source values of photography and film?

Answer 5

• Can capture moments in history in vivid detail, providing a unique glimpse into a point in time
• Examples of propaganda
• Can show aspects of the culture – ie. Dress
• Reflections of attitudes/trends in filmmaking at a specific time

Question 6

What are some source values of newspapers?

Answer 6

• Can provide an indication of the nature of a society and on specific aspects of its culture
• Can provide a daily record of events occurring in history (albeit perhaps a limited one)

Question 7

What are some source values of statistics?

Answer 7

• Provide raw factual evidence of historical trends (provided they are reliable)
• Generally open to interpretation, free of the potent influence of personal and cultural biases (provided they have not been manipulated)

Question 8

What are some source values of government records?

Answer 8

• If never intended for disclosure, might provide a candid glimpse into the inner workings of the government
• Purely factual, solid, reliable