Historical research: examining documentary sources.

In this paper John Sweeney outlines key principles for conducting a study employing an historical design based on documentary analysis. It derives in part from his PhD study, in which he employs an historical design based on documentary analysis to investigate the delay in introduction of intellectual disability nursing into the Republic of Ireland from 1921 until 1958. This study examines the social, political and professional context to the decision to forgo the recognition of a professional nursing qualification and education process in intellectual disability until 1958. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]