documentary research

Documentary research is the process of gathering information by examining existing records, reports, and written materials related to a specific topic. Instead of collecting new data through surveys or experiments, researchers analyze documents such as official reports, letters, newspapers, or archival records to understand past events, trends, or perspectives. It’s a valuable method for studying history, social issues, or organizational contexts because it provides authentic, pre-existing evidence. This approach allows researchers to explore insights while respecting the original context and ensures that findings are grounded in documented sources.