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Primary Sources: Resources for Original Research

What is Original Research?

Original research is research that produces new knowledge. based on data actually collected by a researcher . It may be in the form of a study, clinical trial, case study, cohort study, experimental research, survey, interview, observational study and qualitative research, Most original research is published in academic journals. The articles are authored by the study's researcher(s). Articles reporting original research typically have multiple researchers / authors.

CAUTION: Review articles (e.g. literature reviews) are NOT considered original research articles! They do not report new data, as is done by articles reporting original research, typically written by the individual(s) who had conducted the study..

Databases for Original Research (e.g. Studies)

The databases below are a sampling of the many library databases which include access to original research and are indicative of a variety of applicable disciplines (e.g. business, computing, health, medicine, psychology, communications, government). Also, see other pages in this guide. In addition, scan the descriptions of our complete list of databases at: https://libguides.ucc.edu/az.php  Note that there is a SUBJECT filter available.

For more, go to DATABASES.

Primary Source Research Tip from Another Library

  • Begin your research with reference and other secondary sources (books and articles) that give you background and a framework for interpreting primary sources.
  • Look for primary sources in the footnotes and bibliographies of those secondary source books and articles.
  • Credit to: the University of Wisconsin Libraries https://researchguides.library.wisc.edu/c.php?g=177945&p=1168836
UCNJ LibGuides at Union College