Final answer:
The word defined as 'records produced during the period that is being studied' refers to primary sources, which are firsthand records created in the time frame under investigation, offering significant insights into historical periods, especially when studying underrepresented groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word you're inquiring about is generally referred to as primary sources. These sources are original records or documents created during the period being studied. They provide firsthand testimony or direct evidence concerning a topic under investigation and are typically produced by witnesses or recorders who experienced the events or conditions being documented. For instance, in the archival research method, these sources include various types of records such as hardcopy files, electronic data, photographs, and even physical objects that were created or used within the time frame of the study.
Primary sources are invaluable in historical research as they offer a glimpse into the past from the perspective of individuals who lived it. They are crucial for historians who aim to understand various aspects of history, particularly for those who study underrepresented groups in history using church records, newspapers, and court hearings to bring to light the experiences of the poor and illiterate.