What is the primary difference between primary and secondary sources?

The primary distinction between primary and secondary sources lies in their nature and purpose. Primary sources are original materials that provide direct evidence or firsthand accounts of an event, phenomenon, or individual. They include documents such as diaries, interviews, letters, and original research. These sources offer raw data and evidence that have not been altered or interpreted by others.

In contrast, secondary sources are interpretations or analyses of primary sources. They synthesize information, contextualize it, and often provide commentary or critique based on those original materials. Examples of secondary sources include scholarly articles, biographies, and reviews, where the authors do not present original data but instead evaluate and interpret data from primary sources.

This understanding clarifies why the correct answer highlights the roles of both types of sources. Recognizing the function and nature of primary versus secondary sources is essential in fields like research, history, and literature, as it informs how one should approach gathering and evaluating information.