Primary sources are uninterpreted, original, or new materials—e.g. an activist gave a speech, a scientist conducted original research, a student drew original conclusions from others’ works, an artist created a piece of artwork, or your grandmother wrote an autobiography. Primary sources are first-hand, uninterpreted experiences. They are created by witnesses or participants of an event, except for historical research.
For more information, see Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Primary sources in the field of psychology present new information or discoveries. They are usually written at the time research is occurring or shortly after it is completed.
Characteristics of primary sources in psychology:
For more information, see Psychology Resources: Primary Sources from Davis Library at the University of Rio Grande
Use the library database PsycINFO to find empirical studies (aka primary sources). Look for the methodology field of the record to see if the article in question is an Empirical Study. You can also use Advanced Search to search exclusively for Empirical Studies (go to Methodology menu and select EMPIRICAL STUDY).
Content adapted from Psychology Resources: Primary Sources from the Davis Library at the University of Rio Grande.