What is the difference between primary and secondary sources?

The correct answer highlights a fundamental distinction in the realm of research and historical analysis. Primary sources are defined as original materials that provide direct evidence or firsthand accounts of a subject, event, or phenomenon. These could include documents like letters, diaries, photographs, original research articles, or artifacts from the time being studied. They represent original thinking or firsthand experience.

In contrast, secondary sources are those that analyze, interpret, or critique primary sources. They are created after the fact and often summarize or offer insights on the information found in primary sources. Examples of secondary sources include textbooks, biographies, articles that review or discuss primary events, and documentaries.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for researchers, as it influences how information is gathered, analyzed, and interpreted. Primary sources serve as the foundational evidence needed for inquiry, while secondary sources provide the context and interpretative framework necessary for deeper understanding and critique. This differentiation is essential for proper academic writing and historical investigation.