A secondary journal article is a type of scholarly publication that analyzes, interprets, or synthesizes information from primary sources.
Understanding Secondary Journal Articles
Secondary journal articles play a crucial role in academic research by providing a deeper understanding and critical perspective on original research and data. They do not present new, raw data or firsthand accounts but rather discuss, evaluate, and build upon existing information.
What Defines a Secondary Journal Article?
According to Skidmore College's Ask Us section, a secondary source analyzes a primary source. This means that a secondary journal article will typically examine, interpret, or synthesize information found in primary sources, offering new insights or conclusions based on that analysis. Many scholarly journal articles fall into this category.
Key characteristics include:
- Analysis and Interpretation: They provide critical commentary on primary data, experiments, or original historical documents.
- Synthesis of Information: They often combine findings from multiple primary sources to form a broader argument or understanding.
- Review and Evaluation: They may review existing literature on a topic, evaluate theories, or critique methodologies used in primary research.
Primary vs. Secondary Sources: A Key Distinction
To fully grasp what a secondary journal article is, it's essential to understand its relationship to primary sources.
| Feature | Primary Source | Secondary Source |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Original material, firsthand account, raw data. | Analysis, interpretation, or synthesis of primary sources. |
| Examples | Original research papers presenting new data, historical documents, diaries, photographs, experimental results. | Scholarly journal articles (reviews, meta-analyses), textbooks, biographies, critical essays. |
| Role | Provides direct evidence or new information. | Explains, evaluates, or builds upon primary information. |
Examples of Secondary Journal Articles
Secondary journal articles are diverse and can take many forms, including:
- Literature Reviews: Articles that summarize and critically evaluate previous research on a specific topic.
- Meta-Analyses: Studies that statistically combine the results of multiple independent studies (primary sources) to draw stronger conclusions.
- Theoretical Articles: Papers that discuss and interpret existing theories, proposing new theoretical frameworks based on existing research.
- Critical Essays: Articles that offer an in-depth analysis or critique of a specific primary source, historical event, or artistic work.
- Commentaries/Editorials: Pieces that offer expert opinion or analysis on recent primary research findings.
The Role of Secondary Articles in Academia
Secondary journal articles are indispensable in academic and research environments because they:
- Synthesize Knowledge: They help researchers and students navigate vast amounts of primary information by summarizing key findings and debates.
- Advance Understanding: By analyzing and interpreting primary sources, they contribute to new theoretical perspectives and deeper understanding of complex issues.
- Identify Gaps in Research: Literature reviews, in particular, often highlight areas where further primary research is needed.
- Provide Context: They offer historical, theoretical, or methodological context for primary research, making it more accessible and understandable.
Understanding secondary journal articles is fundamental for effective research, as they provide the analytical framework and broader context necessary to engage deeply with any subject.
