What is a key characteristic of primary sources in research?

Primary sources are essential in research because they provide original, unmediated evidence from a specific time or event. This characteristic means that primary sources are first-hand accounts or direct evidence that have not been altered, interpreted, or filtered through another person's analysis. Examples of primary sources include original documents like letters, diaries, photographs, official records, and artifacts.

This directness allows researchers to gain insights into the context, feelings, and thoughts of those who experienced an event, making primary sources invaluable for establishing a foundational understanding of historical or cultural phenomena. The focus on original evidence distinguishes primary sources from secondary sources, which often summarize, analyze, or interpret primary data.