Final answer:
Primary sources without the original document are acceptable if they are reliable, credible, and accurate. Evaluating the author, audience, and context of these source is vital for historical accuracy. The correct answer to the question is (D) All of the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
If we do not have the original document, we can use them as primary sources as long as they are reliable, credible, and accurate. These characteristics ensure that even when not in possession of the original material, the documents we use as primary sources can be trusted to provide truthful and factual information.
Careful examination of authorship, context, and the intent are crucial in determining the value of a primary source. Peer-reviewed academic publications hold the highest authority, but well-researched nonacademic texts also serve as credible resources. It is important to scrutinize how well these sources report on complex realities and whether they cite their primary sources accurately.
Documents such as government records, personal diaries, and photographs are considered primary when they come from the time period being studied. However, when the originals are not available, and secondary documents are used, they must be handled with extra caution. This is due to the natural introduction of errors or changes during the transmission of these documents across generations and media.
The correct option in the final answer for the student's question is (D) All of the above.