As a biology undergraduate student is essential to understand the difference between a primary article, a review article, and the scientific peer review process. A primary article is written based on the author’s original scientific research. An example of this could be a written lab report. The author conducts an experiment and depending on their observations they then write a lab report. Methods, tables, figures, results, references, and data used during the experiment and research process are often included in primary articles. 

A review article is written based off of primary articles or another research topic. In review articles, the author will search and analyze scientific research articles written by other people. They will then draft an article on the subject including a summary of the source’s paper, an analysis of their findings, a discussion of their personal or others’ opinions on the subject, and a conclusion. Unlike a primary article, a review article does not include data, personal observations, or any original scientific research. 

Lastly, a scientific peer review process is a multistep process that focuses on the credibility and originality of an author’s original scientific research. This process is often required to have research published. The author submits all their research to a journal, where it is then assessed by independent experts who are knowledgeable and trustworthy in the author’s field. The expert assesses all the scientific data, research, results, and anything else included in the article. During review, the experts examine the authenticity, accuracy, and the significance of the research. After the evaluation, the journal decides on publication based on all the feedback they receive from the editor and experts. There are many other smaller steps in between the three I listed here, and the process can take months before a decision is made.