Other Descriptive Methods

• What is Archival Research?• What Are Physical Traces?• What is a Case Study?

What is Archival Research?

• Use previously existing records for data• NOT the same thing as a literature review!• Researcher does not have control over

method• Records may be unrepresentative

What Are Physical Traces?

• Measure physical changes caused by behavior – accretion traces – erosion traces

• Selective survival: some traces may last longer than others

• Selective deposit: some individuals may leave more evidence than others

What is a Case Study?

• In-depth description of an individual• Provide ideas for future research• Study unusual characteristics• Existence proof