Investigate vs. Research: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Investigate" means to examine systematically, often in response to something specific, while "Research" is the systematic study of materials and sources to establish facts.
Key Differences
"Investigate" and "Research" are both methods of inquiry, but they are utilized in different contexts and for distinct purposes. When someone seeks to "Investigate," they typically aim to uncover details about a particular incident, allegation, or event. It's a process that is often reactive, sparked by a specific circumstance that demands answers. On the other hand, "Research" is a proactive and systematic process of studying materials and sources to gain new knowledge or understand existing facts better.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Delving into the nuances, "Investigate" frequently has a sense of urgency or immediacy attached to it. Law enforcement agencies "Investigate" crimes, journalists "Investigate" leads, and auditors "Investigate" financial discrepancies. The objective is to gather evidence, establish facts, and often to ascertain accountability. In contrast, "Research" is more expansive and often ongoing. Scientists "Research" to test hypotheses, historians "Research" to understand past events, and businesses "Research" market trends.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Additionally, the methodologies for "Investigation" and "Research" can differ. An "Investigation" may require interviews, surveillance, or forensic analysis. "Research," particularly in academic contexts, often demands literature reviews, experiments, and statistical analyses. The tools for "Investigation" might be a detective's kit, while for "Research," it might be laboratory equipment or archives.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Despite their differences, both "Investigate" and "Research" share a commitment to the truth. Both demand thoroughness, objectivity, and accuracy. While they may have different goals and techniques, both are integral to our understanding of the world around us.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Systematic examination, often in response to something specific.
Systematic study of materials and sources to establish or discover facts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
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Context
Crimes, allegations, specific events.
Academic, scientific, business inquiries.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Purpose
Uncover details, ascertain accountability.
Gain new knowledge, understand existing facts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Methodologies
Interviews, surveillance, forensic analysis.
Literature reviews, experiments, statistical analyses.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Sense
Has a sense of urgency or immediacy.
More expansive, ongoing, and proactive.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Investigate and Research Definitions
Investigate
To search out and gather facts.
I'll investigate the reasons behind the sudden price hike.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
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Research
The systematic study to establish facts or principles.
His research on climate change won him an award.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Investigate
To carry out an official examination.
The agency will investigate the company's safety practices.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Research
Diligent and systematic inquiry into a topic.
He's doing research into renewable energy sources.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Investigate
To scrutinize in order to discover the truth.
She hired a private detective to investigate her suspicions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Research
A detailed study of a subject to discover information.
Her research on the topic took several months.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
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Investigate
To examine a situation or event systematically.
The police will investigate the theft.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Research
Careful study of a given subject, field, or problem, undertaken to discover facts or principles.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Investigate
To inquire into in detail.
The journalist decided to investigate the politician's background.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Research
An act or period of such study
Her researches of medieval parish records.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Investigate
To observe or inquire into in detail; examine systematically
Investigate a crime.
Investigate ways to use less energy.
Investigate whether the virus is contagious.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Research
To study (something) thoroughly so as to present in a detailed, accurate manner
Researching the effects of acid rain.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Investigate
(transitive) To inquire into or study in order to ascertain facts or information.
To investigate the causes of natural phenomena
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Investigate
(transitive) To examine, look into, or scrutinize in order to discover something hidden or secret.
To investigate an unsolved murder
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Research
Diligent inquiry or examination to seek or revise facts, principles, theories, applications, etc.; laborious or continued search after truth.
The research station that houses Wang and his team is outside Lijiang, a city of about 1.2 million people. File:The research station that houses Wang and his team is outside Lijiang.ogg
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Investigate
To follow up step by step by patient inquiry or observation; to trace or track mentally; to search into; to inquire and examine into with care and accuracy; to find out by careful inquisition; as, to investigate the causes of natural phenomena.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Research
(transitive) To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Investigate
To pursue a course of investigation and study; to make investigation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Investigate
Investigate scientifically;
Let's investigate the syntax of Chinese
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Investigate
Conduct an inquiry or investigation of;
The district attorney's office investigated reports of possible irregularities
Inquire into the disappearance of the rich old lady
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Research
Diligent inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles; laborious or continued search after truth; as, researches of human wisdom; to research a topic in the library; medical research.
The dearest interests of parties have frequently been staked on the results of the researches of antiquaries.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Research
Systematic observation of phenomena for the purpose of learning new facts or testing the application of theories to known facts; - also called scientific research. This is the research part of the phrase "research and development" (R&D).
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Research
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Research
Attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner;
The student researched the history of that word
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Research
An endeavor to discover new or collate old facts by scientific study.
She conducted research on ancient civilizations.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Research
Investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery of truths.
The laboratory is at the forefront of cancer research.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
FAQs
In which context is "Investigate" most commonly used?
It's often used in contexts like law enforcement or journalism to probe specific incidents or allegations.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is "Investigate" typically reactive?
Yes, it's often a response to a specific incident or allegation that requires examination.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Research" be both qualitative and quantitative?
Yes, research can involve qualitative data, quantitative data, or both.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Does an "Investigation" always result in a conclusive answer?
No, some investigations might end without clear answers or may remain ongoing.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Can a journalist "Research" and "Investigate" simultaneously?
Yes, a journalist can research background information while investigating a specific lead or story.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Is "Investigate" limited to crime scenes?
No, investigation can be applied to various scenarios, not just crime scenes.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Research" be done on a historical event?
Yes, historians often research past events to understand them better.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
What's the main aim of "Research" in academia?
To gain new knowledge or to provide a deeper understanding of existing facts or principles.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
What tools might a scientist use for "Research"?
Laboratory equipment, software for statistical analysis, or databases, among others.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Which word is more proactive: "Research" or "Investigate"?
"Research" is generally more proactive, while "Investigate" is often reactive.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Can a business "Research" market trends?
Yes, businesses often research market trends to make informed decisions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Which term is more likely associated with experimentation?
"Research" is often associated with experimentation, especially in scientific contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
In what situation might an auditor "Investigate"?
An auditor might investigate financial discrepancies or potential fraud.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Investigate" imply an official capacity?
Yes, especially when governmental or organizational bodies probe incidents.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
Which term is broader in its scope of inquiry?
"Research" typically has a broader scope, while "Investigate" often focuses on specific events or allegations.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
