In the sciences, primary research usually means the original data that was used to write an article, while secondary research is an interpretation of that data. This secondary research can be called a peer review article, review article, systematic review, or evidence-based review.
Please note that if you’re taking a course in the humanities (history, literature, the arts, etc.), then primary and secondary research have a different meaning. In the humanities, a primary source is an historical document or artifact created at the time of the period that is being studied. A secondary source is one that was created after the period that is being studied and presents information that was originally produced elsewhere.
