Investigation
Luminiţa T ĂSICA
Institute of Educational Sciences, BucharestHistory
In the first half of the 20th century, investigation began to be used in America, and then in
some European countries with a tradition in social research, accompanying the student
and group assessment.
Mostly developed in the second half of the 20 th century for the study of educational
phenomena (school management and administration), the investigation was
simultaneously used alongside with the scientific testing methods.
Today the investigation is a separate method, owing to the clear objectives, principles and
rules of application.
Theoretical background
Investigation is considered a complex method in social sciences, since it varies greatly
with the process: from a simple search for information necessary to solve a minor
problem, to ample, lengthy research based on rigorously elaborated instruments.