Archival research involves the study and analysis of historical documents and records that have been preserved in archives or special collections. Researchers often use archival research to explore a specific topic or question by examining primary sources such as letters, diaries, newspapers, government documents, photographs, and other materials. This type of research allows scholars to gain insights into past events, people, and cultures, and is often used in disciplines such as history, anthropology, sociology, and political science. Archival research can provide valuable and authentic information that may not be available through other sources, making it an important method for understanding the past.