documentary (study)

A documentary study is a research method that involves analyzing documents and records to gather information on a specific topic or event. Researchers examine a variety of materials, such as written texts, official reports, photographs, and other artifacts, to uncover insights and patterns. This approach is often used in fields like history, sociology, and anthropology to understand context, perspectives, and historical developments. By interpreting these documents, scholars can build a narrative or argument based on evidence, helping to expand our knowledge and understanding of various subjects.