INFORMATION LANDSCAPE

Primary research articles present original research conducted by the authors themselves.

• Typically follow the IMRAD structure: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion

• Found primarily in academic journals but also in conference proceedings, dissertations, and technical reports

Peer review is a quality control process where experts in the field evaluate whether a manuscript makes a sufficient contribution to knowledge and meets publication standards. Journal articles, academic books, and many conference papers undergo peer review. To learn more,  watch this short video.

Secondary sources interpret, analyse, or synthesise primary research rather than presenting original findings.

• Include review articles, literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses

• Also encompass textbooks, commentaries, editorials, and reference works

Secondary sources published in academic journals typically undergo peer review.

Grey literature is produced outside traditional commercial or academic publishing channels.

• Includes government reports, policy documents, technical reports, white papers, theses, conference papers, working papers, and data sets

• Not typically peer reviewed, but often authoritative when from credible organisations

• Harder to locate than published literature; use Google Advanced Search, organisational websites, and specialist repositories