Primary and secondary research

To evaluate your sources means to consider your sources in order to make a judgement about them. In determining the appropriateness of a resource, it may be helpful to determine whether it is primary research or secondary research.

 

Primary research presents original research methods or findings for the first time.

 

Examples include:

• A journal article, book, or other publication that presents new findings and new theories, usually with the data
• A newspaper account written by a journalist who was present at the event he or she is describing is a primary source (an eye-witness, first-hand account), and may also be primary "research".

A secondary research does not present new research but rather provides a compilation or evaluation of previously presented material.

Examples include:

• A scientific article summarizing research or data, such as in Scientific American, Discover, Annual Review of Genetics, or Bioglogical Reviews
• An encyclopedia entry and entries in most other Reference books
• A textbook