Primary research articles usually:

• Are written by the experts who conducted the research
• Provide full descriptions of original research
• Describe how the study was conducted (methods / methodology) and its results
• May include people as study participants

Examples: Qualitative or quantitative research reports, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, surveys, etc.

Primary source example articles:

Secondary articles usually:

• Comment on or analyze other scientists' research
• Summarize the state of knowledge in a field
• Interpret other research
• Compare ideas or theories
• Include other articles as "study participants"

Examples: Commentaries, literature reviews, meta-analyses

Secondary source example articles:

Use this handout as a way to take notes while reading a scholarly article!