desk research vs documentary research

Both 'desk research' and 'documentary research' are correct phrases used in academic and professional contexts to refer to research that is conducted using existing documents, data, and information. The choice between the two may depend on personal preference or the specific field of study. They are comparable and can be used interchangeably in most cases.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 588 views

desk research

This phrase is correct and commonly used in academic and professional settings to refer to research conducted using existing documents, data, and information.

It is used to describe research that does not involve direct contact with subjects or the collection of new data, but rather relies on analyzing existing sources.

Examples:

The team conducted extensive desk research before designing the survey.
The report was based on thorough desk research of industry trends.
Desk research is an important first step in any research project.

Show examples from the web [+]

carry out in-depth monitoring, analysis and reporting of EU activities including desk research, attending committees and other policymaking meetings, networking,
In addition, the project will continue to conduct desk research into and verify (including through in-field investigations) existing information on relevant transfers gathered from organisations other than CAR for entry into the iTrace system.
The evaluation is progressing according to the plan approved by the management board using surveys, interviews and desk research as the principal research methods.
The desk research, the interviews and the views expressed through the survey converge to point at a good level of internal coherence between the measures supported by the IDABC programme. IDABC actions contribute to the programme's objectives following a holistic approach.
I called her, told her you fell asleep at your desk doing a research project.
The Preparatory Action in the field of Security Research Information Desk
The Preparatory Action in the field of Security Research Information Desk
I can research the guests and exploit any necessary systems from my desk.
I want every bit of research you have on this guy on my desk, half an hour.
If I don't have that research pack on my desk today, it's me that's going to look bad.
I want every bit of research you have on this guy on my desk, half an hour.
I want every bit of research you have on this guy on my desk, half an hour.
Instructing existing information EU, help desks at national or regional level to provide all the information on the Framework Programme, the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme and the Structural Funds required by SMEs, industry and research institutions.

Alternatives:

literature review
secondary research
library research
bibliographic research
archival research

documentary research

This phrase is also correct and commonly used in academic and professional contexts to describe research that relies on existing documents, data, and information.

It is used to emphasize the use of documents as the primary source of information in a research project.