What is a primary source?

A primary source is defined as an original document or firsthand account that offers direct evidence about a topic or event. This includes items such as diaries, interviews, letters, photographs, official records, and other materials created at the time under study. These sources provide a unique perspective and insight into the experiences and thoughts of individuals during a specific period, making them invaluable for research in historical and literary contexts.

In contrast, other options represent secondary sources or analyses that rely on interpretations or summaries of primary information. For instance, analyses or interpretations of historical events involve examining data from primary sources to offer insights or conclusions rather than presenting firsthand experiences. Similarly, a critique of literary works is a secondary examination that deliberates on primary texts, and a summary of research studies condenses findings from various primary and secondary sources without delivering original, firsthand evidence. Thus, only the description of an original document or firsthand account accurately aligns with the definition of a primary source.