To handle secondary sources correctly, you should always try to locate and cite the original primary source first, but if it is unavailable, you must cite the secondary source you actually read while clearly acknowledging the original author in your text.
Why Primary Sources Matter
In academic writing, a primary source is the original research, while a secondary source discusses, summarizes, or quotes that original work. Relying too heavily on secondary sources can weaken your literature review because you are trusting another researcher's interpretation of the data rather than analyzing the methodology and results yourself.
Step 1: Track Down the Original Work
Whenever you find an interesting claim, theory, or statistic cited in a paper you are reading, your first step should be to find the original document. Look at the paper's reference list, find the title of the original work, and search for it. If you are struggling to track down the original text, WisPaper's TrueCite automatically finds and verifies citations, helping you easily locate the primary document and avoid hallucinated references. Reading the original ensures the quote wasn't taken out of context.
Step 2: Format the In-Text Citation Correctly
If the original paper is out of print, written in a language you do not speak, or locked behind an inaccessible paywall, you will need to use a secondary citation. You must make it clear to your reader who originally generated the idea and where you actually read about it.
Here is how to format secondary citations in the most common academic style guides:
- APA Style: Name the original author and year in your text, and include the secondary source in your parenthetical citation using the phrase "as cited in." For example: Smith's 1998 study (as cited in Johnson, 2023) demonstrated that...
- MLA Style: Use the abbreviation "qtd. in" (quoted in) within the parentheses. For example: Smith argued that the results were conclusive (qtd. in Johnson 45).
- Chicago Style: Mention the original author and use "quoted in" within your footnote or endnote.
Step 3: Update Your Reference List
A common mistake early-career researchers make is putting the original primary source in their final bibliography, even though they never actually read it. Your reference list should only include the sources you physically consulted. In the examples above, you would only include Johnson's paper in your reference list, not Smith's.
Best Practices for Academic Integrity
Use secondary citations sparingly. If your research paper is filled with "as cited in" references, peer reviewers or professors may assume you took shortcuts during your literature search. Always make a genuine effort to read the foundational texts in your field to ensure your arguments are built on accurately interpreted data.
