In the Sciences, primary sources are documents that provide a full description of original research. For example, a primary source would be a journal article where scientists describe their research on black bear population genetics in the Sierra Nevada mountains. A secondary source would be an article commenting on or analyzing the scientist's research on black bear population genetics in the Sierras.
Library Home Page http://www.napavalley.edu/library
Search strategy for finding primary articles:
1. Define your search topic.
2. Identify keywords and synonymous terms.
3. Use the truncation or wildcard symbol (* ? +) to search for various word endings. See the online database help screens for the truncation symbol.
Physiolog* Searches for physiology, physiologic, physiological
4. Combine concepts using Boolean operators.
OR => combines similar terms together into one set of results
bear* or ursus
AND => combines different concepts together into one set
Bear* and metabolism
Use parentheses for "or" terms when combined with "and"
(bear* or ursus) and (metabolism or metabolic rate)
5. Select the most appropriate database to search.
See the Online Database tab for databases to search.