Inquiry vs. Research — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on April 4, 2024
Inquiry seeks answers to questions, while Research systematically investigates to establish facts.
Difference Between Inquiry and Research
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Inquiry and Research are both processes of finding information, but they differ in approach and depth. Inquiry is the act of asking questions or seeking information on a specific topic. It can be casual and may not always involve a structured process. On the other hand, Research is a more systematic and organized effort to discover, interpret, or revise facts, events, behaviors, or theories.
Inquiry can be seen as the starting point of an investigation. It's like dipping your toes into a pool to gauge the temperature. It can be as simple as asking a question or being curious about a topic. Research, however, is diving deep into the pool. It’s a comprehensive and structured method of exploration, often driven by hypotheses and theories that need verification or refutation.
Inquiry might not necessarily result in new knowledge or understanding, as it often seeks to clarify doubts or get answers to simple questions. Research, meanwhile, aims to contribute to a broader field of knowledge, uncovering new information, theories, or conclusions.
Inquiry often precedes Research. A researcher might start with an inquiry, which then piques their interest to delve deeper into the subject. While inquiry can be informal and conversational, Research often involves rigorous methodologies, data collection, and analysis.
At the core of both Inquiry and Research is the thirst for knowledge. While Inquiry might satisfy immediate questions, Research seeks a deeper, comprehensive understanding, often contributing to an academic or professional field's body of knowledge.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Nature
Initial questioning or curiosity
Systematic and organized study
Depth
May be superficial or surface-level
Deep, thorough, and extensive
Outcome
Often seeks clarity or answers to questions
Seeks to uncover new knowledge or conclusions
Methodology
Can be informal, based on simple questioning
Involves structured methodologies, data collection, and analysis
Connection to Knowledge
May or may not contribute to a broader field of knowledge
Often contributes to a specific academic or professional discipline
Compare with Definitions
Inquiry
A question or request for information.
Sarah sent an inquiry about the delivery date.
Research
Systematic investigation to establish facts or principles.
Lisa's research on marine life took her two years to complete.
Inquiry
An investigation into a matter.
The police launched an inquiry into the incident.
Research
Gathering of data, information, and facts for advancing knowledge.
Without thorough research, the thesis lacked credibility.
Inquiry
The act of inquiring or asking questions.
His constant inquiry showed his passion for learning.
Research
Detailed and careful study to discover new information.
His research revealed a new method to harness solar energy.
Inquiry
A seeking of truth, knowledge, or information by questioning.
Philosophers engage in inquiry to understand life's big questions.
Research
Investigative activities to produce or revise theories.
The team's research has changed our understanding of quantum physics.
Inquiry
A formal review or examination.
The board set up an inquiry to review the allegations.
Research
Academic work in a particular area of study.
Her research in biophysics has been published in multiple journals.
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.
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.
Inquiry
The act of inquiring
Engaged in scientific inquiry.
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
Inquiry
A question; a query
There were many inquiries about the new tax rates.
Research
Investigate systematically
The team have been researching into flora and fauna
She has spent the last five years researching her people's history
Inquiry
A close examination of a matter
A Congressional inquiry into the scandal.
Research
Careful study of a given subject, field, or problem, undertaken to discover facts or principles.
Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking of information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
Research
An act or period of such study
Her researches of medieval parish records.
Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination of facts or principles; research; investigation
Scientific inquiry
Research
To engage in or perform research.
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.
Research
To study (something) thoroughly so as to present in a detailed, accurate manner
Researching the effects of acid rain.
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.
Research
To do research for
Research a magazine article.
Inquiry
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
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
Inquiry
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
Research
A particular instance or piece of research.
Inquiry
A systematic investigation of a matter of public interest
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 Inquiry result in new knowledge?
While it can lead to clarity or answers, it doesn't necessarily contribute to a broader field of knowledge as research does.
What is the main distinction between Inquiry and Research?
Inquiry often involves asking questions or seeking information, while Research is a systematic investigation to establish facts or principles.
Can Inquiry be informal?
Absolutely. An Inquiry can be a simple question or an informal investigation.
Does Research always require a structured approach?
Typically, yes. Research involves organized methodologies to uncover or validate information.
Is Inquiry a part of Research?
Often, yes. Inquiry can precede and lead to deeper research on a topic.
How is an Inquiry different from a question?
While both seek answers, an Inquiry is often broader and might encompass multiple questions or an area of investigation.
What's a key element in conducting Research?
A systematic methodology, which includes defining the problem, collecting data, and analyzing results.
Is every Inquiry followed by Research?
Not necessarily. Some inquiries might be satisfied without further research.
Why is Research important in academics?
Research advances knowledge, validates theories, and often contributes to academic disciplines.
Do Inquiry and Research always seek the truth?
Both aim to uncover information or answers, with Research having a more structured approach to validating or revising knowledge.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Nixtamal vs. Hominy
Next Comparison
Modell vs. ModelAuthor Spotlight
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.
