Investigation vs. Research — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 12, 2024
Investigation focuses on discovering facts to resolve specific issues, while research aims to gather knowledge and insights for broader understanding.
Difference Between Investigation and Research
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Investigation often starts with a specific question or problem needing resolution, typically involving a detailed and systematic examination to uncover facts or determine the truth. It is highly focused, aiming to clarify uncertainties, solve problems, or verify facts. Research, on the other hand, is a broader endeavor aimed at generating new knowledge or contributing to existing knowledge. It is driven by curiosity or the quest to explore and understand phenomena, behaviors, or theories without necessarily solving a specific, immediate problem.
Investigations are commonly seen in legal, forensic, or organizational contexts where a particular incident or issue needs to be resolved. For example, an investigation might look into a crime, a workplace complaint, or a technical malfunction. Research can be either basic, focusing on fundamental principles and theories, or applied, aimed at solving practical problems. It encompasses a wide range of fields, including science, humanities, and social sciences, with methodologies and approaches varying significantly across disciplines.
While investigations are often reactive, initiated in response to a specific incident or query, research is generally proactive, initiated to explore questions or hypotheses that interest the researcher. This fundamental difference highlights the reactive nature of investigations versus the explorative nature of research.
Both investigation and research require systematic methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data. However, the methodologies and tools used can differ significantly. Investigations may employ forensic analysis, interviews, and surveillance, whereas research often involves experiments, surveys, and literature reviews.
Investigations are typically more time-sensitive, aiming to resolve issues or answer questions in a relatively short time frame. In contrast, research can be a longer, more drawn-out process, with the timeline extending over months, years, or even decades depending on the scope and nature of the inquiry.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To resolve specific issues or uncover facts.
To generate new knowledge or contribute to existing one.
Nature
Reactive, focusing on specific queries or problems.
Proactive, exploring broad questions or hypotheses.
Methodology
Uses forensic analysis, interviews, surveillance, etc.
Employs experiments, surveys, literature reviews, etc.
Context
Legal, forensic, organizational contexts.
Science, humanities, social sciences, etc.
Time Sensitivity
Often time-sensitive, short-term.
Longer-term, can extend over years.
Compare with Definitions
Investigation
A systematic examination to uncover facts.
The police conducted an investigation into the burglary.
Research
A systematic study to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
Her research in biology led to groundbreaking discoveries.
Investigation
A process to resolve specific problems.
The company launched an investigation into the employee's complaints.
Research
A process of inquiry aiming at understanding concepts.
The research focused on the impacts of climate change.
Investigation
A detailed inquiry to determine the truth.
The investigation into the missing artwork lasted months.
Research
A detailed examination to discover new knowledge.
His research into ancient texts unveiled new historical insights.
Investigation
An action taken to explore specific incidents.
The environmental investigation focused on the pollution source.
Research
An investigation into a subject to establish facts.
The team's research contributed significantly to the field of renewable energy.
Investigation
A method to verify facts or allegations.
The forensic investigation provided the needed evidence.
Research
An endeavor to gather information on a subject.
The market research helped in understanding consumer behavior.
Investigation
The action of investigating something or someone; formal or systematic examination or research
He is under investigation for receiving illicit funds
Research
Research is "creative and systematic work undertaken to increase the stock of knowledge". It involves the collection, organization, and analysis of information to increase understanding of a topic or issue.
Investigation
The act or process of investigating
A politician under investigation.
Research
The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions
He prefaces his study with a useful summary of his own researches
Medical research
The group carries out research in geochemistry
Investigation
A careful examination or search in order to discover facts or gain information.
Research
Investigate systematically
The team have been researching into flora and fauna
She has spent the last five years researching her people's history
Investigation
The act of investigating; the process of inquiring into or following up; research, especially patient or thorough inquiry or examination
The investigation into the crime has led to various leads as well as plenty of dead ends.
Despite thorough investigation, the perpetrator of the attacks remains unknown.
Carry out an investigation
The matter is awaiting investigation
The case is still under investigation.
Research
Careful study of a given subject, field, or problem, undertaken to discover facts or principles.
Investigation
The act of investigating; the process of inquiring into or following up; research; study; inquiry, esp. patient or thorough inquiry or examination; as, the investigations of the philosopher and the mathematician; the investigations of the judge, the moralist.
Research
An act or period of such study
Her researches of medieval parish records.
Investigation
An inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities;
There was a congressional probe into the scandal
Research
To engage in or perform research.
Investigation
The work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically
Research
To study (something) thoroughly so as to present in a detailed, accurate manner
Researching the effects of acid rain.
Research
To do research for
Research a magazine article.
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
Research
A particular instance or piece of research.
Research
(transitive) To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently.
Research
(intransitive) To make an extensive investigation into.
Research
(transitive) To search again.
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.
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).
Research
To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently.
Research
Systematic investigation to establish facts
Research
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
Research
Inquire into
Research
Attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner;
The student researched the history of that word
Common Curiosities
Can an investigation lead to research?
Yes, investigations can uncover information that prompts further research.
What is the main goal of an investigation?
To uncover facts or resolve specific issues.
Are the methodologies in investigation and research similar?
Both require systematic methods, but the tools and approaches can vary greatly.
Can research be considered a type of investigation?
Yes, in a broad sense, as it investigates phenomena to generate knowledge.
Is research always academic?
Not necessarily, research can also be conducted in non-academic, practical settings.
Do investigations always solve the problem?
Not always, but they aim to clarify issues or uncover facts.
Is time sensitivity more crucial in investigations than in research?
Generally, yes, since investigations often respond to immediate issues.
Can the findings from research affect investigations?
Yes, research findings can inform and sometimes trigger investigations.
What distinguishes an investigation from research?
Investigations focus on specific problems, while research seeks broader understanding.
Can anyone conduct research or investigations?
Yes, but expertise and specific skills may be required for effectiveness.
What role does hypothesis play in research?
It guides the direction and focus of the study.
How important is data in both investigation and research?
Crucial; both rely on data collection and analysis to support conclusions.
How does research contribute to technological advancements?
It provides the foundational knowledge necessary for innovation and development.
How do ethical considerations apply to both?
Both must adhere to ethical standards, especially regarding data collection and analysis.
What impact do investigations have on society?
They can resolve issues, enforce laws, and ensure justice.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
