Final answer:
Police reports, photographs, and videos serve as documents in research, offering valuable data without direct interaction with subjects. They are crucial for archival research and differ from participant observation, which requires researchers to immerse themselves in the study's environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Police reports, photographs, and videos are examples of documents used by researchers. Documents are vital resources that can provide rich data for various types of research, particularly in qualitative studies. They are employed by researchers to gather information about a subject or context without requiring direct interaction with research participants.
Using existing records, such as documents, to try to answer a research question falls under the broader category of archival research. Archival research involves examining existing documents and records to extract data and understand patterns or behaviours related to the study's topic.
Participant observation is a qualitative research method where the researcher immerses themselves in a specific environment to gain an insider's perspective. It is particularly useful for understanding the social dynamics and cultural practices of a group.