Primary literature: In the sciences, the primary literature presents the immediate results of research activities. It often includes analysis of data collected in the field or laboratory. Primary literature presents original research and/or new scientific discoveries.
- Examples of Primary Literature in the Sciences: Original research published as articles in peer-reviewed journals, dissertations, technical reports, and conference proceedings.
- Identifying Primary Literature in the Sciences: When looking at a journal article to determine whether or not is it primary literature, look for the following common components of a primary research article: Abstract, introduction, methods or materials and methods, results, discussion, conclusions, and references.
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Reviews: A review is important because it:
- Explains the background of research on a topic.
- Demonstrates why a topic is significant to a subject area.
- Helps focus your own research questions or problems
- Discovers relationships between research studies/ideas.
- Suggests unexplored ideas or populations
- Identifies major themes, concepts, and researchers on a topic.
- Tests assumptions; may help counter preconceived ideas and remove unconscious bias.
- Identifies critical gaps, points of disagreement, or potentially flawed methodology or theoretical approaches.
- Indicates potential directions for future research.
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