Which of the following describes data that is preserved in its original form without modification?

The correct answer refers to immutable data, which is characterized by its preservation in its original form without any modifications. This concept is crucial in investigations and evidence recovery because maintaining the integrity of data is essential for ensuring that it can be relied upon in legal contexts or analysis. Immutable data ensures that once it is created or captured, it cannot be altered, thus preserving its authenticity and reliability. This property is vital when dealing with digital evidence, as any modification could undermine its admissibility in court or its validity as evidence in an investigation.

The other options do not fully encapsulate the essence of maintaining data in an unmodified state. Primary data refers to data collected firsthand for a specific research purpose but does not necessarily convey its integrity after collection. Original evidence typically signifies evidence that has not been derived or altered, but can still be subject to changes during handling. Archived data suggests that the data is stored for long-term retention, but this does not guarantee that it was preserved in its original form without any modification.