Primary or Secondary? Can you spot the difference?
- Primary sources
- Secondary sources
- Locating primary and secondary sources
Identifying primary sources
As shown in the image below, a primary source is one that has undergone scientific studyor experiment. It isoriginal research that has been complete by specialists, or experts in the field.
- This image shows that the journal is called "The New England Journal of Medicine" so you can expect to find medical topics discussed within, written at an academic level.
- The image shows also the title of the article "Green Tea and the Risk of GasticCancer in Japan." It is a very specific study, and the highlighted sections on the image show that there is a discussion of how the original research was carried out and what the results of the study were.
(click on image to enlarge)
Identifying secondarysources
In the previous tab you were able to see an image of a primary source, a scholarly journal article discussing the health impact of green tea in relation to cancer. In the image belowis a secondary source. It was written in a newspaper, "The New York Times" and does not offer scientific studyor experiment. It doesn't not containoriginal research, nor was it written by experts in that field. Rather, as a newspaper article it was written by a journalists.
- Notice the title of the article: " The Claim: Green Tea Helps Prevent Cancer"
- You can see that it just mentions research studies and some of their findings, but it doesn't include the actual research, citations, or additional info. It is very brief, and it was written with casual, easy to read language. It provides an analysis or a summary of a primary source.
(click on the image to enlarge)
Searching the databases
The link below takes you to a list of databases limited by subject. What's your topic? Be sure to pick a database that covers your subject area. The descriptions for each database tells you what kind or type of article it houses. Most databases will have a variety of sources - like newspapers and magazine articles (secondary) as well as academic or scholarly journal articles (primary). After searching, you'll see a list of results and options to limit to a specific type of source.
- If you're looking for scholarly sources, choose "academic journals" or scholarly journals" and be sure to limit to "Peer Reviewed"
- And be sure to choose "full-text" too so you can download anything you see right away!
Holman Library Databases by Subject
See all of the library's database collections, sorted by subject area. This list is a good place to see the entire list of electronic article resources available in a specific field. You will need to log in with your GRC email address and password to access off-campus.
- Research Guide: Scholarly Journals
by Jennifer RohanLast Updated Dec 6, 20237486 views this year
Certainly! From your article's discussion on primary and secondary sources, it's evident you're delving into research methodologies, source evaluation, and database navigation, particularly within academia. Let's break down the concepts covered in the article:
Primary Sources
- Definition: Primary sources are original materials that provide direct evidence or firsthand information about a topic. These could include scientific studies, experiments, original research, diaries, letters, speeches, interviews, etc.
- Example: "The New England Journal of Medicine" article titled "Green Tea and the Risk of Gastric Cancer in Japan" is a prime example of a primary source. It details original research conducted by specialists in the medical field. It outlines the study methodology, results, and discussions directly derived from the research.
Secondary Sources
- Definition: Secondary sources analyze, interpret, or summarize information derived from primary sources. These materials often provide commentary, analysis, or an overview of primary research.
- Example: The secondary source mentioned in the article is a newspaper article from "The New York Times" titled "The Claim: Green Tea Helps Prevent Cancer." This piece does not present original research but rather discusses findings from research studies without providing the actual research details or citations. It simplifies the information for a broader audience.
Locating Sources
- Databases: The article advises utilizing databases categorized by subject area to access various types of sources. These databases house a mix of materials, including newspapers, magazine articles (secondary sources), and academic or scholarly journal articles (primary sources). It emphasizes the importance of choosing the right type of source and mentions the necessity of limiting searches to scholarly journals, particularly peer-reviewed ones, for academic research.
Research Guide
- Jennifer Rohan's Research Guide: The article refers to a guide provided by Jennifer Rohan, likely offering guidance on navigating scholarly journals, understanding the distinction between primary and secondary sources, and utilizing databases effectively for academic research purposes.
To effectively conduct academic research, it's crucial to understand these distinctions between primary and secondary sources, utilize appropriate databases, and critically evaluate the relevance and credibility of the sources found. This knowledge aids in accessing and utilizing information effectively within academic contexts.
