| Abstract | A summary of a study that describes its most important aspects, including major results and conclusions.
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| Bibliography | A list of references that pertain to a topic.
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| Computer search of the literature | A method whereby key terms are used to locate research literature about a topic.
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| Descriptors | Terms used to locate sources during a computer search of the literature.
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| General reference | Source that researchers use to identify more specific references (e.g., indexes, abstracts).
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| Literature review | The systematic identification, location, and analysis of documents containing information related to a research problem.
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| Meta-analysis | A statistical procedure for combining the results of several studies on the same topic.
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| Primary source | Firsthand information such as the testimony of an eyewitness, an original document, a relic, or a description of a study written by the person who conducted it.
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| Search terms | see descriptors.
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| Secondary source | Secondhand information, such as a description of historical events by someone not present when the event occurred.
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