Biology: A Library Research Guide

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Biology: Articles: Primary: Examples: Tip 1

Harris, E. M. Inflorescence and floral ontogeny in Asteraceae: a synthesis of historical and current concepts. Bot. Rev. 1995 Apr-Sep; 61:93-278.

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Although it is often impossible to know for sure until you are looking at the article, you can get some information from just the basic citation as given above.  Looking at it carefully can save you the work of tracking down an article that may not suit your particular needs.  

If you are using a database that gives you abstracts, or summaries, of the articles, you will have a better chance of categorizing the article.

bulletScientific terminology:  The use of specialized, scientific vocabulary can often signal an article written for a professional audience rather than the general public. 
bulletThis could be primary.
bulletGenus/species or place name:  The use of specific classification names (or specific city/state names or field locations) may indicate that the article is describing one particular series of experiments or observations.
bulletThis could be primary.
bulletAction words or descriptive nouns:  Analysis of verbs and nouns in the title can give you an idea whether the article is likely to describe one particular set of experiments or take a broader look at work others have done.
bulletThis does not look primary.
bulletJournal titles: Although these are often abbreviated, words like "Review", "Annual", or "Letters" in the journal title may indicate that mostly review articles or short communications are published. 
bulletJournal title: Botanical Reviews.
bulletCONCLUSION: THIS IS PROBABLY A REVIEW ARTICLE: AN ARTICLE WRITTEN TO SUMMARIZE EXPERIMENTAL FINDINGS ON A SCIENTIFIC TOPIC.  IF SO, THE REFERENCE LIST AT THE END WILL CONTAIN CITATIONS TO RELEVANT PRIMARY ARTICLES.    
 

Created by Elizabeth Housewright. Updated and maintained by Barbie McConnell: bmcconnell@fullerton.edu
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Last Updated: 01/17/06.