Inquiry vs. Investigation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
An inquiry is asking for information, while an investigation is a systematic examination or official research.
Difference Between Inquiry and Investigation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An inquiry often refers to the act of asking for information or seeking knowledge about a particular issue. It can be informal, such as a question about a schedule, or more formal, such as a legislative inquiry into a public concern. An inquiry is generally the first step in gathering information.
Investigation, however, implies a more detailed and systematic examination. It often follows an initial inquiry when the questions raised require deeper analysis. Investigations are typically methodical and can involve collecting evidence, following legal procedures, and may result in legal or disciplinary action.
In the world of academia, an inquiry can be a request for clarification on a topic, leading to a discussion or a research initiative. In this context, the term does not necessarily imply suspicion or the need to uncover wrongdoing, which is often associated with an investigation. An inquiry in academia is aimed at expanding knowledge.
Contrastingly, an investigation in a legal or criminal context involves authorities looking into an incident to determine the presence of wrongdoing or to collect forensic evidence. This process is usually more formal and structured than an inquiry, with specific objectives and legal protocols to follow.
When customer service departments receive an inquiry, they may simply provide the requested information or direct the person to the appropriate resources. If an investigation is required, it may mean there is a problem or complaint that needs to be examined in detail, potentially involving several departments or external agencies.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Asking for information
Systematic examination
Formality
Can be formal or informal
Typically more formal
Purpose
To gain knowledge or information
To examine details, often for evidence
Associated Fields
General questions, academia
Legal, criminal, scientific research
Outcome
Answer to a question, expansion of knowledge
Conclusions based on evidence, legal outcomes
Compare with Definitions
Inquiry
The process of questioning to gain information.
The student's inquiry into the subject led to a fascinating research paper.
Investigation
An official examination of facts.
The government launched an investigation into the company's practices.
Inquiry
A request for information.
He submitted an inquiry about the library's closing hours.
Investigation
The act of investigating suspected wrongdoing.
The investigation into the missing funds pointed to fraud.
Inquiry
The search for knowledge or truth.
Philosophical inquiry has been central to human progress.
Investigation
A systematic search for the truth.
The detective's investigation revealed the identity of the culprit.
Inquiry
A formal investigation by an authority.
The senate held an inquiry into the alleged misuse of funds.
Investigation
Research or study to discover and interpret facts.
Her scientific investigation resulted in a groundbreaking discovery.
Inquiry
An act of asking for professional advice.
The lawyer responded to her client's inquiry with a detailed memo.
Investigation
Detailed or careful examination.
The journalist's investigation into the matter won her an award.
Inquiry
An inquiry (also spelled as enquiry in British English) is any process that has the aim of augmenting knowledge, resolving doubt, or solving a problem. A theory of inquiry is an account of the various types of inquiry and a treatment of the ways that each type of inquiry achieves its aim.
Investigation
The action of investigating something or someone; formal or systematic examination or research
He is under investigation for receiving illicit funds
Inquiry
The act of inquiring
Engaged in scientific inquiry.
Investigation
The act or process of investigating
A politician under investigation.
Inquiry
A question; a query
There were many inquiries about the new tax rates.
Investigation
A careful examination or search in order to discover facts or gain information.
Inquiry
A close examination of a matter
A Congressional inquiry into the scandal.
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.
Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking of information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
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.
Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination of facts or principles; research; investigation
Scientific inquiry
Investigation
An inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities;
There was a congressional probe into the scandal
Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking for information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
He could no path nor track of foot descry,Nor by inquiry learn, nor guess by aim.
The men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate.
Investigation
The work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically
Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination into facts or principles; research; investigation; as, physical inquiries.
All that is wanting to the perfection of this art will undoubtedly be found, if able men . . . will make inquiry into it.
Inquiry
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
Inquiry
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
Inquiry
A systematic investigation of a matter of public interest
Common Curiosities
Are inquiries always formal?
Inquiries can be either formal or informal, depending on the context.
Can an inquiry lead to an investigation?
Yes, if initial inquiries raise further questions, an investigation may follow.
Do investigations always involve legal matters?
No, investigations can be conducted in non-legal contexts, like scientific research.
Is an inquiry the same as an investigation?
No, an inquiry is asking for information, while an investigation is a detailed examination.
What is the outcome of an inquiry?
The outcome is typically the provision of requested information or knowledge.
What is the outcome of an investigation?
It may result in findings, conclusions, or legal action based on evidence.
Can anyone conduct an inquiry?
Yes, inquiries can be made by anyone looking for information.
Is a press inquiry considered an investigation?
It can be, if it involves detailed research, but it's usually just seeking comment.
Does an investigation require a hypothesis?
In scientific investigations, yes; in legal ones, it starts with a suspicion or allegation.
Can I use inquiry and investigation interchangeably?
No, they have different connotations and degrees of formality and detail.
Who can conduct an investigation?
Investigations can be conducted by authorities, professionals, or experts in a field.
Is an inquiry a formal process?
It can be, such as a congressional inquiry, but not always.
Do academic inquiries always lead to formal studies?
Not always; some inquiries may simply clarify a concept without leading to formal research.
Are all police actions considered investigations?
Many are, especially when they involve looking into suspected crimes.
Can a customer service complaint trigger an investigation?
Yes, if the complaint indicates a potential systemic issue or wrongdoing.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
