Inquiry vs. Research: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Inquiry is the act of asking for information, while research is a detailed study or investigation to discover new information.
Key Differences
Inquiry generally refers to the act of asking questions or seeking information on a particular subject, often as a precursor to more in-depth investigation. Research, on the other hand, involves a systematic investigation, often involving scientific or academic methods, to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
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Dec 01, 2023
The scope of an inquiry can be informal and broad, ranging from casual questions to more formal requests for information. Research is characterized by its structured approach, often following specific methodologies to explore a hypothesis or answer complex questions.
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Inquiry can be a component of research, serving as the initial step where questions and areas of interest are identified. Research extends beyond inquiry, involving extensive data collection, analysis, and the synthesis of information to generate new insights.
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The outcome of an inquiry is often the acquisition of specific information or answers to questions. In contrast, the outcome of research is more comprehensive, contributing to the knowledge in a field, supporting or contradicting theories, or leading to new questions.
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Inquiry often requires curiosity and the ability to ask effective questions. Research demands a more rigorous set of skills, including critical thinking, data analysis, and the ability to draw evidence-based conclusions.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To ask questions or seek information
To conduct a detailed study or investigation
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Role in Knowledge
Often a precursor to research
Contributes new insights or knowledge
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Outcome
Acquisition of specific information
New conclusions, supporting or challenging theories
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Skill Set
Curiosity and questioning
Critical thinking, data analysis, synthesis
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Inquiry and Research Definitions
Inquiry
Inquiry can refer to an official investigation.
The police launched an inquiry into the missing person's case.
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Research
Research is often a scientific or scholarly pursuit to gather knowledge.
They published their research findings in a renowned journal.
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Inquiry
Inquiry is the act of asking for information or investigation.
The student made an inquiry about the course requirements.
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Research
Research can refer to collecting information about a subject.
Market research helped the company understand consumer trends.
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Inquiry
Inquiry can also mean a systematic investigation in an academic context.
His inquiry into historical texts revealed new insights.
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Research
Research is the systematic study to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
Her research in biology contributed to new findings in genetics.
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Inquiry
Inquiry is the process of questioning to gain information.
The scientist's inquiry into the problem led to more questions.
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Research
Research is a methodical process of inquiry and analysis.
Ongoing research is essential for medical advancements.
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Research
Careful study of a given subject, field, or problem, undertaken to discover facts or principles.
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Inquiry
A question; a query
There were many inquiries about the new tax rates.
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Research
An act or period of such study
Her researches of medieval parish records.
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Inquiry
A close examination of a matter
A Congressional inquiry into the scandal.
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Inquiry
The act of inquiring; a seeking of information by asking questions; interrogation; a question or questioning.
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Research
To study (something) thoroughly so as to present in a detailed, accurate manner
Researching the effects of acid rain.
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Inquiry
Search for truth, information, or knowledge; examination of facts or principles; research; investigation
Scientific inquiry
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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.
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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
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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.
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Inquiry
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
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Research
(transitive) To search or examine with continued care; to seek diligently.
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Inquiry
An instance of questioning;
There was a question about my training
We made inquiries of all those who were present
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Inquiry
Inquiry involves seeking facts or information.
She made an inquiry about train schedules.
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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.
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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).
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Research
A search for knowledge;
Their pottery deserves more research than it has received
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Research
Attempt to find out in a systematically and scientific manner;
The student researched the history of that word
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Research
Research involves detailed investigation and analysis.
He conducted extensive research for his thesis.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can an inquiry lead to research?
Yes, inquiries often initiate the research process.
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Is an inquiry formal?
It can be, especially in official or academic contexts.
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Is research always scientific?
Often, but it can also be scholarly or applied in various fields.
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What are the types of inquiry?
Open, closed, formal, and informal inquiries.
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How is research published?
Typically in academic journals, reports, or books.
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What defines research?
A detailed, systematic study to discover or interpret facts.
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Can inquiry be casual?
Yes, it can range from casual questions to formal investigations.
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What are inquiry-based learning methods?
Educational approaches where questions and exploration drive learning.
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What are research methodologies?
Structured approaches used in research, like qualitative or quantitative methods.
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Can anyone conduct an inquiry?
Yes, it's accessible to anyone seeking information.
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What skills are needed for research?
Critical thinking, data collection and analysis, synthesis.
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What's the role of inquiry in learning?
It stimulates curiosity and initiates the learning process.
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How does inquiry relate to problem-solving?
It's the initial step in identifying and understanding a problem.
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Can research be collaborative?
Yes, it often involves teamwork, especially in scientific studies.
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What's the importance of research in academia?
It's crucial for knowledge advancement and academic progress.
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Is inquiry a part of scientific research?
Yes, it's often the starting point of scientific exploration.
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How does research impact society?
It leads to new knowledge, solutions, and technological advancements.
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What is a research hypothesis?
A proposed explanation made as a basis for investigation.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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