What process involves conducting a detailed examination to establish facts?

The process that involves conducting a detailed examination to establish facts is investigation. This term generally refers to the systematic inquiry or examination of a subject, situation, or event to uncover information, verify facts, or find evidence. In many contexts, such as scientific research, criminal justice, or historical analysis, an investigation entails gathering data, analyzing it, and drawing conclusions based on the evidence collected. It encompasses various methods and approaches aimed at obtaining accurate and reliable information, which is essential for understanding a particular phenomenon or resolving questions related to it.

In contrast, the other terms describe different processes. For example, to infer means to derive logical conclusions from evidence or reasoning rather than from explicit statements. Implement is related to putting a plan or decision into effect, which does not necessarily involve examining facts thoroughly. Extrapolate involves extending known information to make predictions about unknown data, which implies a different focus than the detailed examination characteristic of an investigation.