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investigate

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Investigating means to conduct a systematic inquiry into a problem or phenomenon in order to acquire new knowledge.

Scientific investigations typically involve making observations, collecting data, formulating hypotheses, and testing those hypotheses through experiments.

The results of scientific investigations are often published in peer-reviewed journals so that other scientists can evaluate them and build on them.

Scientific investigations are an essential part of the scientific method, which is the process by which scientists acquire knowledge about the natural world.

How can the word be used?

The scientists investigated the effects of climate change on the environment.

investigate

Different forms of the word

Noun: investigation.

Adjective: investigative.

Verb: investigate (pronounced in-veh-suh-gate).

Etymology

The word "investigate" comes from the Latin word "investigare", which means "to search out" or "to inquire into". This word is made up of the prefix "in-", which means "into", and the verb "vestigare", which means "to track" or "to trace".

Question

What does investigate mean?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the process of scientific investigation and its importance in advancing our understanding of the natural world. Provide an example of a scientific investigation, outlining the steps involved and how they contribute to drawing conclusions and forming scientific knowledge.

Answer:

Scientific investigation is a systematic process used to explore and understand natural phenomena through observation, experimentation, and analysis. It plays a pivotal role in expanding our knowledge of the world around us and uncovering underlying principles.

One example of a scientific investigation is studying the effects of different fertilisers on plant growth. The process typically involves several steps:

  • Question: Formulate a question to be investigated, such as "How do different fertilisers impact plant growth?".
  • Hypothesis: Develop a hypothesis, a tentative explanation for the observed phenomenon. For instance, "Fertiliser A will result in taller plants compared to Fertiliser B.".
  • Experiment: Design and conduct controlled experiments, where variables are manipulated and controlled to test the hypothesis. In this case, plants would be grown under controlled conditions, with each type of fertiliser applied to separate groups.
  • Data Collection: Record and analyse data, measuring plant height, leaf count, and other relevant variables.
  • Conclusion: Interpret the data to determine whether the results support or refute the hypothesis. This step contributes to the formation of scientific knowledge.
  • Peer Review and Communication: Share findings with the scientific community through publications and presentations, allowing for scrutiny and validation.

Scientific investigations drive progress by refining existing theories or leading to new discoveries. They enable us to make informed decisions, develop technologies, and address societal challenges. By following a structured approach, scientists ensure that their findings are reliable, contributing to the accumulation of accurate knowledge about the natural world.