Difference Wiki

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 engage in or perform research.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Investigate

To make a detailed inquiry or systematic examination.
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

Research

To do research for
Research a magazine article.
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

(intransitive) To conduct an inquiry or examination.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Research

A particular instance or piece of research.
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

Research

(intransitive) To make an extensive investigation into.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Investigate

Investigate scientifically;
Let's investigate the syntax of Chinese
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Research

(transitive) To search again.
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

To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023

Research

Systematic investigation to establish facts
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

Inquire into
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 Riaz
Sawaira 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 Saeed
Sumera 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.

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