How do primary sources differ from secondary sources of information?

Primary sources are characterized as direct evidence or firsthand accounts of a topic, which provide unmediated access to the phenomena or events being studied. This could include original documents like diaries, interviews, research data, or artifacts. In contrast, secondary sources analyze, interpret, or critique these primary sources, summarizing and offering context to the original information.

For example, a study documenting firsthand accounts from witnesses during a historical event is a primary source, while a book reviewing those events and discussing their implications is a secondary source. This distinction is crucial, as primary sources grant researchers direct insights into the subject matter, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the context from which secondary interpretations arise.

It's important to remember that while primary sources often provide valuable original data, they are not inherently more reliable than secondary sources; the reliability of either type of source depends on factors such as context, methodology, and the intentions behind their creation.