This document distinguishes between primary and secondary sources in scientific research. Primary sources report original research findings for the first time through methods like research studies, experiments, and theses. They contain methodology sections describing study participants. Secondary sources interpret and analyze primary sources, including textbooks, reviews, and editorials. A primary research study typically includes an abstract, introduction with literature review and hypotheses, method describing participants and measures, results, discussion of implications, and references.

1. Primary and Secondary Sources
in Science Research
Stephanie H. Kinsler
User Services Librarian
Newburgh Campus

2. Primary Sources
Original materials that report original research, ideas,
or scientific discoveries for the first time
Examples:
• research study
• scientific experiment
• conference papers or proceedings
• master’s theses and doctoral dissertations

3. Primary Sources
Tip: To know that an article is definitely “primary,” find the Methods or
Methodology section of the article (sometimes described under a
“Participants” heading).
Does this section described a specific group of study participants and is
the ENTIRE article (except for the literature review/intro. About the
described participants)?
YES = primary source
Example: “Sixty-nine patients were screened and 66 consented to
participate in the study.” (Serra et al., 2012, p. 619).

4. Secondary Sources
Any materials that interpret, analyze, or describe a primary source
Examples:
• Textbooks
• Best practices
• Meta-analyses- an article that combines the results of many studies
• Systematic reviews (Any article that “Review” in the title or abstract!)
• Letters to the editor/editorials

5. Parts of a Primary Research Study
An empirical article is a research article that reports the results of a study that uses data derived from
actual observation or experimentation.
Abstract ... A paragraph length description of the study
Introduction...Statement of the hypotheses for the research and a review of other research (literature
review) on the topic
Literature Review…Describes all past research on the particular topic at hand
Method ...A description of how the research was conducted, such as:
◊ Who are participants
◊ Design of the study
◊ What the participants did
◊ What measures were used (statistics and mathematical computations)
Results...The results section describes the outcomes of the measures of the study.
Discussion...The discussion section contains the interpretations and implications of the study.
Conclusion
References...A references, or bibliography, will contain citation information on the material cited in
the report.