source material

Source material refers to the original information or content used to create or support a new piece of work, such as a book, article, or research report. It includes texts, images, data, recordings, or other resources that provide the foundational facts, ideas, or evidence. Properly citing source material ensures credit is given to the original creators and allows others to verify or explore the information further. In essence, source material is the foundation upon which new knowledge is built, ensuring accuracy, credibility, and intellectual honesty in any project or investigation.