fact-finding investigation; survey of actual conditions
A formal investigation or survey to ascertain the real situation, often used in governmental, journalistic, or business contexts.
The government is rushing to conduct a fact-finding survey of the disaster area.
The committee carried out an investigation into actual working conditions.
The government conducted a fact-finding survey on working conditions.
The city decided to carry out a fact-finding survey on waste disposal.
According to the survey results, many companies are struggling with staff shortages.