Primary and secondary sources can look different depending on the discipline. This guide covers source types in the sciences. If you would like to know more about primary and secondary sources in history and related disciplines, see the history guide.
Your instructor may require you to use specific types of articles for your research, but how can you be sure the article you found meets those requirements? Review the information below, and consider reaching out to your instructor to clarify any assignment details. And don’t forget, the library is here to help! Contact us through the links in the "Need More Help?" box on this page.
Consider the following elements when determining whether a source is an original research article (primary source), or a review article (secondary source):
Primary Source:
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Secondary Source:
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About |
Primary research articles present original research, including experiments, observations, or findings conducted directly by the authors. These types of articles may also be referred to as empirical studies, which can be quantitative or qualitative, or mixed methods (a combination of both). |
Review articles summarize, evaluate, and synthesize existing research on a particular topic without presenting new data. They are considered secondary sources. Articles that synthesize the results of multiple primary studies may be referred to as a literature review, systematic review, or meta-analysis. |
Purpose |
Shares new data, methods, and insights that advance scientific knowledge. |
Provides an overview of current knowledge. Identifies trends, gaps, and future research directions. |
Examples► All of these examples are from peer-reviewed articles that the library provides access to. Click each title to view the article. |
Marine Biology: Genetics: Evolutionary Biology: |
Marine Biology: Evolutionary Biology: |
Language► Keep an eye out for similar language as you examine an article abstract. |
"In this study we investigated..." "The results of this study suggest that..." "We observed significant differences in..." |
"After systematically searching..." "This article examines recent advances in..." "Drawing on findings from multiple studies..." |
Structure► Articles will generally follow this structure, with primary research articles focusing on methods, results, and data collected by the authors. |
Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion Conclusion References |
Abstract Introduction Body Discussion/Conclusion References |
The Library Search and most databases make it easy to narrow results to peer-reviewed articles using a peer-reviewed filter.
However, peer-reviewed or "scholarly" journals contain both primary and secondary articles, so you will still need to evaluate which type it is.
The following videos provide additional guidance for finding and evaluating articles.
► This quick video shows you how to find peer-reviewed articles using Nevada State's Library Search. Keep in mind you will still need to evaluate each article to identify whether it is a primary research article.
► Watch this video for more information about review articles and primary research articles, including how to use signs in the articles to determine the article type:
The PubMed database has the ability to filter search results by article type. Follow the directions below:
Still have questions? Ask us via quick chat, email library@nevadastate.edu, or meet with a librarian. We're here to help!
Learn more about research article types: