Primary literature: contain original data and ideas and are generally the first published record of an investigation. Examples include research articles, research monographs, preprints, patents, dissertations, and conference proceedings.
Secondary sources: information about primary sources, usually a compilation or synthesis of various ideas and data. Secondary sources may rearrange or modify data and include such sources as indexes to the primary literature, reference works derived from primary research, and reviews. Examples include encyclopedias, review articles, handbooks, bibliographies, and abstracts/indexes.
Tertiary sources: discuss science rather than contribute or are indirect sources. Examples include textbooks, directories, and literature guides.
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