How do historians analyze primary and secondary sources?

Historians analyze primary and secondary sources by assessing their authenticity, context, and perspective. Primary sources, such as documents, artifacts, and recordings, provide direct evidence from the time period being studied, while secondary sources interpret and analyze those primary materials. Historians evaluate the credibility of these sources, considering factors like the author's background, purpose, and audience, as well as the historical context in which they were created. This critical examination helps historians construct accurate narratives and understand the complexities of historical events.