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BIO 197: Biology Writing: Parts of Primary Scientific Research Paper

What is a primary research article?

Here are some common characteristics of primary research articles:

  • Author(s) present data and findings from original research after conducting an original experiment.
  • A primary research article typically contains the following sections: Methods/Materials, Results, Discussion.
  • Look for information on SI (Supplemental Information).  This may include additional data and/or research information.  Be sure to track down and read the SI for a complete understanding of the research being presented in the article.

Some examples of journals to use in finding a primary research article

  • Conservation Biology
  • PNAS: Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
  • Ecology
  • Biological Conservation
  • Journal of Ecology
  • Journal of Applied Ecology