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Evaluating Information: Primary vs. Secondary

Primary Sources vs. Secondary Sources

Primary Sources	Secondary Sources
Primary sources present original research methods and results for the *first* time.	Secondary sources do not present new research. They provide a compilation or evaluation of previously presented materials.
Journal article or book presenting new findings, new theories, usually with data Eye-witness account or observation	Scientific articles summarizing research or data (e.g., Scientific American, Discover) Encyclopedias, handbooks, textbooks
May be labeled as Research or Report	May be labeled News or Review
Examples: Scholarly journal articles Dissertations Manuscripts Memoirs Interviews	Examples: Textbooks Encyclopedias Articles critiquing Biographies

Criteria to help determine if an article is a primary or secondary source.

Primary Literature	Secondary Literature
Always peer-reviewed.	May or may not be peer-reviewed.
Title is a brief statement of a research project, usually very technical	Title may sound technical, or may sound broad or "cute"
Topic has a very narrow focus.	Topic may be a broad overview.
Abstract is usually present.	Abstract not usually present.
Introduction to topic is provided.	Introduction to topic is provided.
Methods & Results sections are present.	Methods & Results sections are usually NOT present.
Data in figures & tables are usually provided.	Data in figures & tables are usually NOT provided.
Discussion Section is usually provided.	Discussion Section - the whole article may be considered a discussion.

Adapted from the GateWay CC Library's Primary vs. Secondary Sources Guide.

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