How is a primary source different from a secondary source?

A primary source is considered an original document or piece of evidence that provides direct, firsthand accounts of a specific event, person, or period. Examples of primary sources include diaries, interviews, photographs, official documents, and artifacts. They are characterized by their immediate relation to the subject being studied, allowing researchers to engage directly with original material.

On the other hand, a secondary source interprets, analyzes, or summarizes information derived from primary sources. Secondary sources include textbooks, articles, and biographies, which seek to explain or provide context to primary materials. The distinction is particularly important in research and historical studies because understanding the difference between these two types of sources can affect the interpretation of information and the conclusions drawn from it.