In SOL contexts, what does 'research and inquiry' entail?

In SOL contexts, what does 'research and inquiry' entail?

• A. Writing only from memory.
• B. Finding, evaluating, and using information from multiple sources to answer questions or solve problems.
• C. Copying others' work without citation.
• D. Ignoring sources and guessing the answer.

Answer: (B)

Research and inquiry means actively gathering information from multiple sources, evaluating those sources for reliability and relevance, and using the evidence to answer questions or solve problems. This goes beyond simply recalling what you already know; you’re collecting, comparing, and weaving together information to support your conclusions. You might consult books, articles, websites, and expert insights, check for bias or outdated information, and decide which pieces are most helpful. Then you integrate what you’ve learned with your own reasoning and clearly credit the sources you used. Writing only from memory misses the need to gather and evaluate evidence. Copying others’ work without citation isn’t inquiry and fails academic integrity. Ignoring sources and guessing ignores evidence and weakens any conclusion.

Research and inquiry means actively gathering information from multiple sources, evaluating those sources for reliability and relevance, and using the evidence to answer questions or solve problems. This goes beyond simply recalling what you already know; you’re collecting, comparing, and weaving together information to support your conclusions. You might consult books, articles, websites, and expert insights, check for bias or outdated information, and decide which pieces are most helpful. Then you integrate what you’ve learned with your own reasoning and clearly credit the sources you used. Writing only from memory misses the need to gather and evaluate evidence. Copying others’ work without citation isn’t inquiry and fails academic integrity. Ignoring sources and guessing ignores evidence and weakens any conclusion.