What primarily differentiates primary sources from secondary sources?

Primary sources are defined as original materials that provide direct evidence or firsthand accounts of a subject or event. These sources are created during the time period being studied and offer insights that are not filtered through interpretation or analysis, which is often the case with secondary sources. Examples of primary sources include diaries, photographs, interviews, official documents, and artifacts, as they present original ideas, experiences, or evidence directly from the source.

When distinguishing primary sources from secondary ones, it is essential to recognize that secondary sources interpret, analyze, or summarize information derived from primary sources. This fundamental difference highlights the value of primary sources in providing authentic and unmediated data that researchers can analyze in its original form. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective research practices and critical thinking in various fields of study.