What are the three phases of an investigation?

What are the three phases of an investigation?

• A. Data collection, data analysis, presentation of findings.
• B. Planning, execution, closure.
• C. Hypothesis, testing, conclusion.
• D. Preparation, reporting, dissemination.

Answer: (A)

In an investigation, the workflow centers on handling information in a clear, evidence-based way: first you gather everything relevant, then you interpret what it means, and finally you communicate what you found. The three phases reflect that progression: data collection, data analysis, and presentation of findings. Data collection involves gathering all pertinent evidence, records, statements, and physical data in a way that is thorough and verifiable. This sets the foundation for the rest of the work. Data analysis is where you examine the collected information, look for patterns or causal links, assess reliability, and draw informed conclusions about what happened and why. This is the step that turns raw data into useful insights. Presentation of findings is about reporting what was learned—often including the methods used, the conclusions reached, and any recommendations or corrective actions. The goal is a clear, actionable outcome that stakeholders can use. Other options resemble different frameworks. Planning, execution, and closure align with project management timelines rather than the core investigative process. Hypothesis, testing, and conclusion mirror the scientific method, which is not the same as an investigative workflow. Preparation, reporting, and dissemination emphasize getting results out but miss the crucial data collection and analysis steps.

In an investigation, the workflow centers on handling information in a clear, evidence-based way: first you gather everything relevant, then you interpret what it means, and finally you communicate what you found. The three phases reflect that progression: data collection, data analysis, and presentation of findings.

Data collection involves gathering all pertinent evidence, records, statements, and physical data in a way that is thorough and verifiable. This sets the foundation for the rest of the work.

Data analysis is where you examine the collected information, look for patterns or causal links, assess reliability, and draw informed conclusions about what happened and why. This is the step that turns raw data into useful insights.

Presentation of findings is about reporting what was learned—often including the methods used, the conclusions reached, and any recommendations or corrective actions. The goal is a clear, actionable outcome that stakeholders can use.

Other options resemble different frameworks. Planning, execution, and closure align with project management timelines rather than the core investigative process. Hypothesis, testing, and conclusion mirror the scientific method, which is not the same as an investigative workflow. Preparation, reporting, and dissemination emphasize getting results out but miss the crucial data collection and analysis steps.