Investigation: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'investigare', which means 'to track or search for'.
• It combines 'in-' (into) and 'vestigare' (to track), literally meaning 'to track into'.
• The term began to appear in English language texts in the early 15th century.

Science

• In scientific research, investigation refers to systematic methods to uncover facts and test hypotheses.
• Rigorous investigation often involves forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, and analyzing data.
• Peer review is a crucial step following an investigation to ensure the findings are valid and reliable.

Criminal Justice

• Criminal investigations often include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing suspects to solve cases.
• Forensics, the application of scientific methods, plays a critical role in investigations, helping to ensure justice.
• Investigators must adhere to legal protocols to maintain the integrity of the investigation and its findings.

Literature

• Many detective novels revolve around investigations, highlighting the skills of protagonists who unveil hidden truths.
• Works like Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series emphasize logical reasoning in investigations.
• The 'whodunit' genre is defined by the investigation of a crime, keeping readers guessing until the end.

Pop Culture

• TV shows like 'CSI' and 'Law & Order' focus on police investigations, popularizing the role of forensic science.
• Investigation-themed video games, such as 'L.A. Noire', allow players to become detectives and solve mysteries.
• Documentary series often feature real-life investigations into crimes, natural phenomena, or historical events.

Positioned at #1,292, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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