How do I analyze a primary source?
Answer
When analyzing a primary source in the social sciences and humanities we recommend the Document Analysis framework from the National Archives & Records Administration office.
- Meet the document.
- Who created it? When was it created?
- Observe its parts.
- Try to make sense of it.
- Why was it created? What is it about?
- Use it as evidence.
Practice analyzing primary sources with our interactive tutorial.