BIO 601 - Ortiz

Primary Sources

• Original research papers 
• the "first" reporting of new scientific discovery
• Published in peer-reviewed, professional journals specific to the scientist's field
• Usually includes photographs, graphs, and tables 
• Have an extensive bibliography
• Includes lots of technical language and jargon specific to the scientist's field

Secondary Sources

• the "second" reporting of a new scientific discovery
• reports on discoveries in a more accessible form, so that those outside of the field can read and understand it
• summarizes evidence
• aimed a people who are not experts in a field, but have some knowledge of it
• Usually includes graphs and tables
• Has a bibliography
• Often published in peer-reviewed, professional journals
• Many labeled at "tutorial" or "review"
• Do not usually include a "methods" section
• Data presented will include a citation to the original research article
• Includes more background information than primary literature

Tertiary Sources

• the "third" reporting of new scientific discoveries
• Usually found in newspapers, magazines, and internet publications
• Often written by journalists who may not have a scientific background
• Audience is the general public
• report on and summarize new discoveries
• rarely include bibliographies