What type of information do secondary sources primarily provide?

Secondary sources primarily provide secondhand information about an individual or a topic, which is derived from primary sources. Unlike firsthand accounts that come directly from those who experienced an event, secondary sources interpret, analyze, or summarize information that has already been collected. They can include things like articles, books, or reports that reference the original material.

Such sources are valuable in research and analysis as they allow individuals to build on existing knowledge and provide context. They can synthesize information from multiple primary sources, offering a broader understanding of a subject. This characteristic distinguishes secondary sources significantly from firsthand accounts or confidential documents, which serve different purposes within research and reporting.