what is the advantages and disadvantages of using the archival method?

http://psychology.about.com/od/researchmethods/a/correlational.htm

I searched Google under the key words "archival method advantages disadvantages" to get these possible sources:

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=archival+method+advantages+disadvantages&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.

The archival method is a research approach that involves using existing records, documents, and data sources to analyze and understand a particular phenomenon or research question. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using the archival method:

Advantages:
1. Availability of data: Archival research relies on pre-existing data, which is often readily available in various institutions, such as archives, libraries, or online repositories. This saves time and resources as researchers do not have to collect primary data themselves.
2. Historical perspective: Archival research allows researchers to study phenomena over an extended period, often spanning several years or even centuries. This enables a long-term perspective and provides historical context to understand changes, trends, and patterns.
3. Unobtrusive method: Researchers do not need to interact with individuals directly, as the archival method relies on analyzing data that has already been collected or created. This ensures minimal intrusion, maintaining privacy and ethical considerations.
4. Cost-effective: Compared to other research methods, the archival method is generally cost-effective as it eliminates the need for extensive data collection, participant recruitment, and other associated costs.

Disadvantages:
1. Limited control over data: Researchers using the archival method have no control over the data collection process, leading to potential limitations in the available data. The data collected in the past may lack specific, relevant variables or may be incomplete, making it challenging to draw accurate conclusions.
2. Lack of context: When using archival data, researchers may face challenges in interpreting the meaning or context of the information. They may not have access to additional information about the data source or the circumstances in which the data was originally collected.
3. Data quality concerns: Archival data may contain errors, inaccuracies, or biases, which can affect the reliability and validity of the findings. Researchers need to be cautious while interpreting and analyzing the data to address these concerns appropriately.
4. Restricted scope: Archival research relies on existing data sources, limiting the scope of the research questions that can be investigated. Sometimes, the available data may not align perfectly with the research objectives, which can constrain the depth and breadth of the study.

To summarize, the archival method offers advantages such as easy access to data, historical perspective, unobtrusiveness, and cost-effectiveness. However, it also has disadvantages such as limited control over data, lack of context, data quality concerns, and restricted scope. Researchers should carefully consider these factors when deciding to use the archival method for their research.