What differentiates a primary source from a secondary source?

A primary source is a firsthand account or direct evidence about an event, person, or topic. This can include documents like letters, photographs, and original research, as well as interviews and artifacts. These sources provide direct insight because they originate from the time or context being studied, offering unmediated access to the experiences or thoughts of individuals involved in that moment.

In contrast, a secondary source interprets, analyzes, or summarizes information derived from primary sources. For example, a history book discussing World War II will likely reference primary sources like diaries from soldiers or official military documents. This means that secondary sources provide context, critique, and interpretation that is shaped by the author's perspective and the information available to them, making the connection with primary sources crucial for a deeper understanding of the subject.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights this essential distinction: a primary source provides direct involvement or evidence, while a secondary source involves analysis or commentary based on those direct accounts.