This document provides information about primary sources and how to identify primary research articles. It defines a primary source as information derived directly from formal observations, procedures or experiments using accepted scientific methods, usually published in a refereed journal. It notes that primary research articles will describe original research, include credentials and research methods, and cite references. It also lists several databases that can be used to find primary literature, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. It provides tips for searching these databases, such as limiting to journal articles or articles, to find primary research. Finally, it lists options for getting help from a librarian to find primary sources.

2.  What’s
that?
Let’s start with a dictionary definition...
The information source that is derived directly from fully
described (or referenced) formal observation,
procedures or experiments performed with valid,
scientifically accepted methods. In its strongest form,
this material is usually (but not only) a paper in a
refereed scientific publication.
primary source. (2001). In Pharmaceutical Medicine Dictionary. Retrieved
from
http://ezproxy.lakeheadu.ca/login?url=http://www.credoreference.com/ent
ry/pmd/primary_source

3. Scholarly
Academic
Peer reviewed

4.  How
can you tell what a primary
research article look like?

5.  Original
 Abstract
research
 Credentials
 Research
methods
 References

16.  Which
databases will help you find
primary literature?




Biological Abstracts
PubMed
ScienceDirect
Web of Science

18. Type in your
search terms

19. Click on more
under Article
types to view
more options

20. Note the
different
options. To
find primary
research,
click on
Journal
Article

21. Click on the
Search tab
to start your
search

22. Click on the
Journals tab to
start your
search
Under Limit by
document type,
click on Article for
research/primary
articles

23. Note that under
article #2, it states
that it is an
original research
article

24. Type in your
search term and
unclick Social
Sciences and Art
and Humanities

25. Note that you
can also limit to
a specific date
range

26. Note the
different
options. To
find primary
research,
click on
Article

27. In person reference help is available at the Research Help Desk in
The Chancellor Paterson Library
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