In a research paper requiring only primary sources, which of the following is not acceptable?

In the context of a research paper that requires only primary sources, the correct option is a television documentary. Primary sources are original materials created during the time being studied, which provide direct evidence or firsthand accounts related to the topic.

Manuscripts, speeches, and memoirs are all considered primary sources because they consist of original documents, personal accounts, or firsthand narratives produced by individuals directly involved in the events under examination. They provide valuable insights and authentic perspectives on historical or contemporary issues.

On the other hand, a television documentary typically synthesizes information from various secondary sources, even if it uses primary materials for its content. Documentaries often include commentary, interpretation, and analysis from filmmakers, which means they do not provide the raw, unmediated evidence that true primary sources do. Therefore, they do not fit the criteria for this specific research requirement.