Primary Vs Secondary Research

Primary research

Primary research is typically focused on original evidence – i.e. raw information which has not been
processed or interpreted by other researchers. Such research may include:

 Conducting experiments and analysing results

 Collecting data, or analysing another researcher’s data in an original way

 Investigating sources, evidence and artefacts directly linked to the examples under study

 Developing pure theory – derived rationally from e.g. mathematical or philosophical axioms (this
is rare!)

Primary sources can be used as direct evidence for (or against) a theory or hypothesis which you are
investigating. It may also be used to defend assumptions which will underpin your research. Most
research will draw upon a range of primary sources, and even in experimental research it is likely that
other primary (and secondary) sources will be needed to justify your methods and questions.

Primary research is usually written up in journal articles, conference papers, and theses. These formats
tend to allow for faster and more specific publications. Whilst academic books may also be based
around primary data, this is less common (though with important exceptions – particularly for older
works). Edited collections of primary research may also be published – focused around a particular
theme.

Secondary research

Secondary research is typically focused on drawing conclusions based upon existing research, but
possibly from a new theoretical, or methodological perspective. Such research may include:

 Analysing, critiquing or reinterpreting existing research

 Reviewing or analysing (meta-analysis) multiple pieces of existing research to draw conclusions

 Constructing theories and conceptual frameworks based upon existing research

 Mixing or synthesising existing research in order to draw new conclusions

 Summarising existing research to clarify, educate or introduce.

Secondary sources can also be used as direct evidence for (or against) a theory or hypothesis which you
are investigating (though always check the primary sources that these secondary accounts rely upon).
Secondary sources are also particularly useful for establishing the context of your research, the theories,
concepts and definitions you will use.
Secondary research may also be written up in journal articles, conference papers, and theses. It is also
commonly found in academic books, and edited volumes, in which subjects and theories can be
explored in greater depth.