Which type of source provides firsthand accounts of events?

The correct answer is primary, as primary sources are defined as direct, firsthand accounts of an event, experience, or observation. These sources include original documents such as diaries, interviews, photographs, and artifacts, which provide immediate evidence of a historical event or phenomenon. By presenting original materials, primary sources allow researchers and readers to engage directly with the experiences and viewpoints of those who witnessed or participated in the events, making them invaluable for understanding history and personal narratives.

In contrast, secondary sources analyze, interpret, or summarize the information gathered from primary sources. This means they provide an interpretation rather than direct evidence. Tertiary sources compile and summarize information from primary and secondary sources, offering an overview rather than original insights. Quaternary sources, while less commonly referenced, are often collections of tertiary sources and do not provide original firsthand accounts. Thus, a primary source serves as the most authoritative type of evidence for firsthand accounts of events.