What is the role of primary sources in historical research?

Historical Research Methods Questions



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What is the role of primary sources in historical research?

The role of primary sources in historical research is crucial as they provide firsthand accounts or direct evidence of events, people, and ideas from the past. These sources can include documents, letters, diaries, photographs, artifacts, and oral histories. By analyzing primary sources, historians can gain a deeper understanding of the context, motivations, and perspectives of individuals and societies during a specific time period. Primary sources also allow historians to critically evaluate and interpret historical events, challenge existing narratives, and contribute to the construction of a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the past.