Primary sources are original materials that provide direct evidence or firsthand accounts of an event, topic, or period. Examples include diaries, letters, photographs, and official documents. These sources are created at the time of the event or by individuals directly involved, making them valuable for research and understanding historical contexts. Researchers use primary sources to gain insights into the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of people from the past. Unlike secondary sources, which analyze or interpret primary sources, primary sources allow individuals to draw their own conclusions based on the original evidence presented.