2. 2 Documents

Question 1

Documents are secondary data, favoured by interpretivists, which are created by individuals, groups and organisations. They mainly contain qualitative data that expresses beliefs and meanings held by an individual and/or organisation. Different types of documents include personal private documents and historical documents.

Question 2

PERSONAL DOCUMENTS

Answer 2

Personal documents take the form of diaries, memoirs, autobiographies and letters.

Question 3

two main types of personal document are

Answer 3

diaries and personal letters.

Question 4

Personal documents

Answer 4

nything written which reveals one’s personal thoughts and feelings. These can either be written for consumption by oneself, by close others, or sometimes for public consumptio

Question 5

Private documents

Answer 5

These are simply not intended to be viewed by a wider public audience, and can include someone’s personal diary or intimate letters/ photos between two people, but company accounts and strategy can also count as private documents, even if shared by several dozens of people, if not intended for consumption by a wider audience.

Question 6

The limitations of using personal documents in social research

Answer 6

There is a problem of interpretation. The researchers might misinterpret the meaning of the documents. The less contextual information the researchers have, the more likely this is to happen.
Practically it takes a long time to sift through and organise the information.

Question 7

ADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGES

Answer 7

Valid - Written for personal purposes so will have a high degree of validity and provide an in-depth and genuine insight into people’s attitudes.

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Practical - They are cheap and save researcher’s time.

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Illuminates many areas of social life.

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Can be used to confirm or question other interpretations and accounts.

Question 8

DISADVANTAGES

Answer 8

Some groups are unlikely to produce personal documents such as letters and diaries and so their views aren’t represented while those with time and literacy skills may be over represented.

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Personal documents such as letters are written with an audience in mind and may affect what is being recorded. Personal bias is likely to be present.