Properly Citing a Source That Echoes Another Person’s Words in Research Papers

When conducting research, it's crucial to ensure that the information you present is accurate and that you are properly crediting your sources. In some cases, you might come across a secondary source that quotes another person. This practice, while common, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccuracies. This article discusses the proper way to cite such sources, emphasizing the importance of relying on primary sources for the most accurate information.

Understanding the Terminology

The technical term for quoting a person who is themselves quoted by another source is called a relayed quote or a secondhand quote. While such quotes can be useful, they aren't considered reliable by academic standards, and there are several reasons for this.

The Risks of Using Relay Quotes

Secondary sources, or relay quotes, can misinterpret the primary source or the original quote for various reasons. Secondary sources may quote inaccurately due to misunderstanding, misremembering, or even deliberate alteration of the original text. This can lead to significant errors in the information presented in your research. As a result, it is crucial to always refer back to the primary source whenever possible.

Example 1: Homosexuality and Thomas Jefferson

A classic example of a misquoted quote involves Thomas Jefferson. Suppose you come across a secondary source claiming that Thomas Jefferson and his friends were all homosexuals. This could be a serious accusation, but to ensure accuracy, you should verify this with the primary sources. If the primary source states:

Thomas Jefferson was of a gay hearty temperament and he surrounded himself with men similarly jovial.

The quote you found in the secondary source is a misquotation. The term "gay hearty temperament" is vague and may not imply homosexuality. To properly cite this, you need to refer directly to the primary source:

Thomas Jefferson was of a gay hearty temperament and he surrounded himself with men similarly jovial. (Source: Biographer's journal)

Example 2: Interpretation and Context

Another example involves a secondary source stating:

What a nasty characterisation! But the context could again change the story.

The quote continues:

You never wanted to count on Thomas Jefferson to do you a favor - for he would complete it so quickly and enthusiastically and make you feel so strongly as if you were favoring him instead that you would feel far more indebted to him than seems reasonable!

The original quote in the secondary source implies that Jefferson was so efficient and enthusiastic that others felt indebted to him. However, the context could completely change the meaning. For instance, the full quote from the primary source might read:

When you asked Thomas Jefferson for a favor, he would complete it so quickly and enthusiastically that you felt as if he were favoring you so much that you would feel far more indebted to him than seems reasonable! (Source: Correspondence between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson)

In this case, without referring to the primary source, one might misinterpret the secondary source as a scathing critique of Jefferson's character, whereas the original context suggests admiration for his efficiency.

The Importance of Primary Sources

Always strive to cite primary sources directly whenever possible. These are the original documents, interviews, data, or firsthand accounts that provide the most accurate and reliable information. Relying on primary sources ensures that your research is as accurate as possible and reduces the risk of misquotation and misinterpretation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when you encounter a relay quote in your research, it is essential to refer back to the primary source to avoid misquotation and misinterpretation. Both academic integrity and the accuracy of your research depend on this practice. By doing so, you ensure that your work is trustworthy and reliable.