The main difference between primary and secondary sources lies in how directly they relate to the original event, data, or topic.
📌 Primary Sources
✅ Definition:
- Firsthand, original materials created at the time of the event or by someone directly involved.
📚 Examples:
- Diaries, letters, interviews
- Original research studies
- Legal documents, government records
- Photographs, videos, speeches
- Historical artifacts
🔍 Purpose:
- To provide direct evidence or firsthand accounts.
📄 Secondary Sources
✅ Definition:
- Interpretations, analyses, or summaries based on primary sources.
📚 Examples:
- Textbooks
- Biographies
- Journal articles reviewing past studies
- Documentaries
- Literature reviews
🔍 Purpose:
- To explain, analyze, or evaluate primary information.
🧾 Summary Table
- Feature Primary Source Secondary Source
- Origin Direct from the source/event Based on analysis of primary sources
- Perspective Firsthand Secondhand
- Use Evidence, original data Commentary, explanation
- Examples Interviews, photos, research data Textbooks, reviews, biographies
🧠 In Short:
- Primary = Original evidence
- Secondary = Analysis or interpretation of that evidence
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