You may find some scientific articles that are original or primary research articles. A primary research article reports on an empirical research study conducted by the authors themselves. Other articles may be review articles. A review article is a survey of previously published research on a topic. It should give an overview of current thinking on the topic. And, unlike an original research article, it will not present new experimental results.
Clues in an abstract that indicate an article is primary research: Look for an active statement from the authors that they conducted a research study. Look for a research question or hypothesis, methods, and new results.
Clues in an abstract that indicate an article is secondary research or a review article: May mention conclusions based on research from many other studies. Look for keywords such as secondary data, meta-analysis, literature review, number of articles reviewed and from what sources.
What are key terms or phrases in the abstract below that would help a reader to determine that this is a primary research article? (right click to open image in a new tab).
Xiao, K., Wilson, A. M., Li, H., Santos, I. R., Tamborski, J., Smith, E., Lang, S. Q., Zheng, C., Luo, X., Lu, M., & Correa, R. E. Large CO₂ release and tidal flushing in salt marsh crab burrows reduce the potential for blue carbon sequestration. Limnology and Oceanography. 2021, 66(1), 14–29. https://doi.org/10.1002/lno.11582
What are key terms or phrases in the abstract below that would help a reader determine that this is a secondary research article? (right click to open image in a new tab).
Nolte, S., Koppenaal, E. C., Esselink, P., Dijkema, K. S., Schuerch, M., De Groot, A. V., Bakker, J. P., & Temmerman, S. Measuring sedimentation in tidal marshes: a review on methods and their applicability in biogeomorphological studies. Journal of Coastal Conservation, 2013, 17(3), 301–325. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-013-0238-3