investigative thinking

noun

UK /ɪnˈvɛstɪɡətɪv ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

US /ɪnˈvɛstɪɡeɪtɪv ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/

Thinking like a detective to find out the truth.

Her investigative thinking helped the class solve the mystery of the missing hamster.

SYNONYMS

critical thinking detective reasoning analytical thinking inquiry problem-solving

RELATED WORDS

curiosity evidence questioning observation logic

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The habit of asking careful questions before believing something.

Investigative thinking kept him from trusting the rumor right away.

3. A way of learning by gathering facts and testing ideas.

The science project used investigative thinking to compare plant growth.

4. Careful searching for clues to explain what happened.

Investigative thinking led the team to the real cause of the error.