Final answer:
The process of systematically recording observed patterns in content analysis is termed 'content analysis', which involves a systematic approach to recording information from secondary data and is crucial for forming hypotheses and generating results.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe the process of trained researchers systematically recording observed patterns as part of the content analysis process is content analysis. This approach involves employing a systematic approach to record and value information that researchers glean from secondary data as it relates to the study at hand. Field researchers using content analysis will be alert and open-minded, recording all observations accurately. As patterns emerge, these observations help in forming hypotheses that guide the analysis of data, ultimately aiding in generating results. Archival research is a specific form of content analysis that involves searching through past records or data sets to identify interesting patterns or relationships.