When writers perform first-hand observations of a phenomenon (or of phenomena), then they are performing
primary research.

Some examples of primary research are:

• performing an experiment (scientific or non-scientific) yourself,
• performing an ethnography yourself, and
• gathering information (from others) by using a survey you create, distribute, and retrieve.

Credibility

Often, the credibility of the information gathered through primary research is based upon:

• the methodology used by the researcher, and/or
• the personal reputation of the researcher, and/or
• the vividness (in the eyes of the target audience) of the descriptions in a text used to convey first-hand information (about a primary research project) to others.