Which research method utilizes public records such as marriage and divorce certificates, police records, and birth and death certificates?

The correct answer to this question is Secondary data analysis. When this is done, the researcher uses information that another researcher has compiled for their use. Researchers use secondary data analysis to answer a question that may not have been answered yet.

Being that the researcher didn't collect the information themselves, it is essential for them to become familiar with the knowledge and how it was collected. There are many advantages to secondary data analysis. It is cost efficient because someone else already received the information. It also reduces the amount of time the researcher has to spend because the data is there for them to start analyzing.