What does a secondary source provide?

A secondary source provides a document that discusses information originally presented elsewhere. This type of source typically interprets, analyzes, or summarizes primary sources, rather than offering firsthand accounts or direct evidence of an event. Secondary sources can include articles, books, or reviews that synthesize information from various primary materials, allowing readers to gain a broader understanding of a topic by looking at it through the lens of analysis or criticism. This depth of context and interpretation is essential for research and understanding complex subjects, as it builds upon the primary information rather than simply presenting it.