Final answer:
A secondary source is when an author uses reports and articles created by others, offering a layer of interpretation and analysis of the original events or firsthand accounts.
Step-by-step explanation:
In academic research, a secondary source refers to information derived from reports and articles written by other authors rather than originating directly from primary materials. Primary sources are firsthand accounts or original materials created by individuals who experienced the events being documented, such as diaries or historical documents. Secondary sources, in contrast, involve an additional layer of interpretation, evaluation, or analysis of primary materials.
Authors often use secondary sources to compile, compare, and summarize information obtained from credible primary sources. This practice allows them to present a higher-level overview of a topic, support their arguments with well-analyzed data, and offer readers a synthesized understanding of the subject matter. While secondary sources play a crucial role in academic discourse, reliance on primary sources is essential for achieving a more authentic and direct understanding of historical events or research topics.