What Are Primary Sources?
Primary sources are original, firsthand materials created at the time of an event or by someone directly involved. They offer direct evidence and are essential when you're analyzing or interpreting historical, cultural, or social topics.
As an undergraduate researcher, primary sources can help you:
Explore original perspectives through letters, diaries, speeches, interviews, or photographs
Analyze historical events using newspapers, government records, or archival documents
Study creative works like novels, films, or artworks as objects of analysis
Work with raw data such as statistics, surveys, or experimental results
Using primary sources allows you to form your own interpretations and engage more deeply with your topic. They’re especially valuable in disciplines like history, literature, sociology, and the arts.