Final answer:
Document metadata refers to the details about a file, such as file format, size, creation date, and author. It helps organize and categorize files, and is important to consider when evaluating sources for a research paper.
Step-by-step explanation:
Document metadata refers to the details about a file. It includes information such as the file format, file size, creation date, author, and more.
For example, in a PDF document, the metadata may include the title, author, keywords, and description of the file. This information helps organize and categorize files, making it easier to search for and manage them.
When writing a research paper, it is important to consider the metadata of your sources. Knowing the author, publication date, and other details can help you evaluate the credibility and relevance of the information.