level of inquiry [OFr, livel + inquirere, to ask about] , (in nursing research) one of the levels in a rank-ordered system of classification and organization of the questions to be answered in a research study. The level of inquiry is determined by an analysis of the theory to be developed or tested and the kinds of data to be collected. Studies that describe comprise the first level, whereas those that explain comprise the second level. Those that prescribe or predict are the most difficult to answer or to support.
