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HNRS 2011 Introduction to Honors Research

Welcome to the Introduction to Honors Research guide.

Primary/Secondary/Tertiary Sources

Primary secondary tertiary

Primary sources include:

  • Accounts by an eyewitness or the first recorder of an event, in written or other form, including microform and electronic reproduction. Examples are diaries, autobiographies, letters, minutes of meetings, news footage, newspaper articles.
  • Data obtained through original research, statistical compilations or legal requirements. Examples are reports of scientific experiments, U. S. census records, public records.
  • Creative works such as poetry, music, or art
  • Artifacts such as arrowheads, pottery, furniture, and buildings.

Secondary sources are works that interpret the primary data, such as a book about eating disorders, a journal article about the role of tobacco in the colonial economy, or a critical review of a play.

Tertiary sources are works that compile, analyze, and digest secondary sources. General and specialized encyclopedias are familiar examples of tertiary sources.

Characteristics of a Primary Research Article

Once you've located some articles, you will need to begin reviewing the articles in your results list. Most empirical articles contain the information listed below, even though it may be found under different headings. Review each section to see what questions the article attempts to answer. Does the evidence presented support the claims that are made? How do these claims relate to the piece of conventional wisdom you're exploring?

  • Presents original data and ideas from a scientific investigation reported by scientist and written for others in the field.
     
  • Reports the results of experiments, observations, and other scientific investigation.
     
  • Published in journals.
  • The body of the article usually contains the following sections:
  • Abstract --- brief description of the research question, the general methods, and the major findings and implications of the work.
  • Introduction ---research question and background information are presented
  • Methods (or Materials and Methods) (Experimental Procedures) ---a description of the research methods used
  • Results ---data collected are presented in written form and by using tables, graphs, and figures
  • Discussion ---researchers interpretation of the data
  • Acknowledgements, and Literature Cited (or References) ---works cited by the researcher

VIDEO: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources

Comparison Across the Disciplines

Comparison across the disciplines

SUBJECT PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY
Art and Architecture Painting by Manet Article critiquing art piece ArtStor database
Chemistry/Life Sciences Einstein's diary Monograph on Einstein's life Dictionary on Theory of Relativity
Engineering/Physical Sciences Patent NTIS database Manual on using invention
Humanities Letters by Martin Luther King Web site on King's writings Encyclopedia on Civil Rights Movement
Social Sciences Notes taken by clinical psychologist Magazine article about the psychological condition Textbook on clinical psychology
Performing Arts Movie filmed in 1942 Biography of the director Guide to the movie
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