Reference Sources (Tertiary sources) are used in the early stages of research to provide context and background. They tell you what you need to know so you can research in greater depth. Reference Sources are never cited. Websites such as history.com and Wikipedia are reference sources. Reference sources give you the essential facts and concepts to understand your topic and they focus on well-established knowledge. They present controversies in an objective and balanced way.
General Reference sources...
1. Are used in the early stages of research to provide background information.
2. Give you the essential facts and concepts to understand material written by experts.
3. Focused on well-established knowledge.
4. Present controversies in an objective and balanced way.
5. Save you time and frustration!