Primary Source Literacy: Apply

1. Effectively organizes and integrates information from research.
2. Revises work based past successes, failures, and alternative strategies.
3. Communicates the product or performance effectively to others.

Research:
The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

Whether you are working on your own assignment or helping someone else with their research, the research process is always cyclical.  You must incorporate your primary sources into the assignment and revise the work until it is polished.

Using the primary source you analyzed in the previous tab, think about how you would incorporate that into a hypothetical project.

• What kind of project would make good use of this primary source?  Think practically.  If it's a photograph or a video clip, perhaps a class presentation or video would highlight your object.  If you have a letter, would you need to transcribe it for a paper?
• What is your research strategy? Depending on your topic, you may find it easier to begin by studying secondary sources that provide context for your primary source.
• Once you've skimmed the secondary literature, how does your primary source enhance your understanding of a particular topic? What thesis might you support with this primary source?
• What kind of secondary information would you need to present alongside this primary source?
• Do you have enough information for a coherent argument?  If not, return to the begining of the cycle.
• How will you cite your primary source? (Hint: it's not the same as a book or article.)