Primary research is a methodology in which the investigators directly collect and interpret new data.
The results of primary research are reported by the investigators themselves.
Their reports (journal articles, conference presentations, academic theses or dissertations) contain the following:
Publication Information:
Abstract: A good abstract summarizes the study: The topic, hypothesis, methodology, results, and conclusions.
Introduction: This does a few things:
Methodology: This describes the methods used to collect and analyze the data for the purpose of testing the hypothesis.
Results: This presents the aggregated data (adding together or grouping of the raw data), often using charts, images, or tables.
Discussion: The investigators present their analysis of the results and what they think it means.
Conclusion: Sometimes combined with the Discussion, this outlines:
References: A list citations for the prior research referenced in the Introduction section.