What type of source would a first-hand account of an event be classified as?

A first-hand account of an event is classified as a primary source because it is direct evidence or firsthand testimony that originates from the time of the event being studied. Primary sources include documents such as diaries, interviews, original research articles, and legal documents, which provide original insights and perspectives without alteration or interpretation by others. These sources are invaluable for researchers because they offer direct access to the experiences, thoughts, and emotions tied to an event, allowing for a deeper understanding of historical contexts and personal narratives.

Secondary sources, in contrast, analyze or interpret primary sources and typically summarize information rather than present it firsthand. Derivative sources involve the process of taking existing sources and repurposing them, which does not apply to direct accounts. Transitional sources may refer to materials that bridge different formats or media but are not a recognized category for classifying firsthand accounts. Thus, identifying a first-hand account as a primary source highlights its importance as a raw, unmediated reflection of events as they were experienced.