Final answer:
The statement is false; records can be preserved information in any format, including electronic. Researchers use both hardcopy and electronic records to document activities or transactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Only information that is handwritten or printed qualifies as a record,' is false. While traditional records are often associated with handwritten or printed material, records can also exist in electronic formats. Records include any documentation or information that is preserved as evidence of activities, transactions, or decisions, regardless of its format. This includes digital documents, emails, databases, and even social media posts, provided they are used to document activities or transactions of individuals, corporations, or governments.
For instance, in archival research, as shown in FIGURE 2.10, a researcher examines records that could be in the form of hardcopy or stored electronically. With advancements in technology, electronic records are increasingly prevalent and can be accessed and preserved much the same as their printed counterparts. Therefore, a correct statement would be: 'A record can be any preserved information, whether it is handwritten, printed, or electronic, that serves as evidence of an activity or transaction.'
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