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The Research Process: Reading and Understanding Research

This guide will help aid you through the research process.

Sage Research Methods

SAGE Research Methods (SRM) is a specialized database of resources about research. The resources in SRM will help you read, understand, conduct, and write up your own research studies. 

Want to know what a literature review is or how to write one? SRM can help! Want to know more about a theory, like Grounded Theory? SRM can help! Wondering how to structure a complete scholarly article? SRM can help! 

SRM has handbooks and guides to understanding research methods and concepts. You can also use tools like the Methods Map to visually navigate between concepts. 

The Cases portion of SRM will allow you to see example cases of research using a certain methodology or discipline. 

Ask a librarian for help navigating and using SRM! 

Research Concepts

Study Guide for Critically Reading Research Articles

Primary vs Secondary Sources

Primary sources are original materials or evidence. In your field, you may be looking for "primary research articles," or articles that describe a study and provide the study results. An example of a primary source is a randomized controlled trial.

Secondary sources analyze, interpret or synthesize the primary materials. An example of a secondary source is a systematic review. These reviews compile randomized controlled trials and other studies to provide the reader with a picture of the research on a specific topic. 

Understanding Research Tables

These links help you understand the parts of a research table, how to read a research table, and how to use tables when you articulate your research results.