What type of research includes documents created during the time period under study?

Primary research is defined as the collection and analysis of original data directly from a source. It involves materials that are created during the time period being studied, making these documents firsthand accounts or direct evidence related to the research topic. This could include diaries, letters, official documents, photographs, and artifacts that provide insights into the events, people, and practices of that specific time. These materials are valuable for their immediacy and authenticity, as they reflect the experiences and viewpoints of individuals from that historical context.

In contrast, secondary research refers to the analysis of existing information or studies conducted by other researchers. Quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis, while qualitative research is concerned with understanding concepts, experiences, or social phenomena through descriptive data. Each of these alternative types of research serves a distinct purpose but does not provide the direct, firsthand evidence that characterizes primary research.