Environmental Engineering 10 (Sullivan): Primary and Secondary Sources

From the Research Process Tutorial Series

Examples of primary sources in the sciences:

• Report original research, ideas, or scientific discoveries for the first time 
• Report results/findings/data from experiments or research studies 
• May also be referred to as primary research, primary articles, or research studies 
• Are frequently found in peer-reviewed or scholarly journals 
• Should explain the research methodology used (randomized controlled trial, etc) 
• Often include methods, results, and discussion sections 
• Are factual, not interpretive

This does not include meta-analyses, systematic reviews, or literature reviews - these are secondary sources 

"Section 2: Knowledge Cycle" of The Research Process gives examples of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.