Question

Samar is conducting research about comedian and actress Lucille Ball. Which of her sources are secondary sources? Check all that apply.

a book about Ball’s impact as a performer
a television interview with Ball
one of Ball’s acceptance speeches
a review of Ball’s television show
a chapter from Ball’s autobiography
an interview with Ball’s costars

Answer 1

Samar can use all the choices as secondary resources EXCEPT Ball's acceptance speeches. Unless Samar would like to quote Ball's speeches that discuss her road to success as a star, this resource would be the least useful for research. A book on Ball would be the most reliable source. Interviews which establish she had a role in a movie or show would also be very helpful. A review of her performances would highlight her world contribution. Quotes from her autobiography on being an actress would also be a great source.

Answer 2

Answer: I would contend that the right answers are 1) A book about Ball’s impact as a performer, 4) A review of Ball’s television show and 6) An interview with Ball’s costars.

Explanation: The question is asking specifically which of these sources are secondary sources, which are sources that interpret or discuss primary sources—firsthand evidence about a historical event, person, or artifact. An autobiography, an interview, and an acceptance speech are all direct and original evidence, since those contain Ball's actual and immediate words. However, a book about the performer, a review of her show, and an interview with her costars are not primary sources, since those are reflections and commentaries on her and on her performances made by other people.