What is the main difference between a primary and secondary source?

The main difference between a primary and secondary source is that a primary source serves as direct evidence or firsthand accounts related to a specific topic or event, while a secondary source provides interpretation, analysis, or commentary on those primary sources.

Primary sources can include original documents such as diaries, photographs, interviews, or any material created at the time under study, offering a direct perspective without interpretation. In contrast, secondary sources are often crafted after the fact and include textbooks, articles, or critiques that synthesize and analyze primary data. This distinction is fundamental for research and understanding, as it helps in differentiating between raw evidence and interpretative frameworks applied to that evidence.

The other options contain inaccuracies in their definitions of primary and secondary sources. For example, stating that a primary source is always a written document overlooks other forms such as artifacts or recordings. Thus, understanding the core differences in evidence type and analytical depth is crucial.