BI230 Ecology Library Research Methods

Primary sources in the sciences are different than primary sources in the social sciences and humanities. This section defines what the difference is between a primary and secondary source with examples.  

To find scientific primary sources for your research papers, use the science databases suggested in the Journal Articles section.

What is a primary source?

Primary sources are:

• First hand/original data document or record

What is a secondary source?

Secondary sources are:

• Published/unpublished work that summarizes, analyzes, and/or evaluates the original source of work.

Before conducting a search, check and see if the online periodical database has an option to limit your search to scholarly or "peer reviewed"** publications. For example, there may be a box you can check that says "peer reviewed." While this is a good first step, you should be aware that each online database provider (e.g. EBSCOhost) may have different definitions of "peer reviewed." 

What is peer-reviewed?

This term generally refers to a publication that contains only articles that have been reviewed, (qualified) edited and selected by recognized experts in the particular field of study covered by the journal.

Abstract

Introduction

• thesis
• research question(s)
• discussion on other research in field

Methodology

• how the research was conducted in relation to thesis

Results

• data collected and analyzed

Discussion

• discussion of other research in field

Conclusion

Bibliography/References