Investigation Word Choice Analysis

The sentence presents a contrast between two types of investigations. One type "can sometimes yield new facts" but is less successful overall compared to the other type which is "typically organized" and "more successful".

Determining the Best Fit Word

• The blank describes the investigation type that might find facts by chance, implying it's not strictly planned or direct.
• Let's analyze the options:
  • Meandering: Describes something indirect, rambling, or winding. This fits an investigation that isn't strictly planned and might stumble upon facts.
  • Timely: Relates to timing, not the method of investigation.
  • Consistent: Implies uniformity, which doesn't contrast well with 'organized'.
  • Systematic: Means methodical and planned. This describes the *more successful* type of investigation mentioned later, not the one in the blank.
• Therefore, meandering best describes an investigation that might yield facts incidentally, contrasting with a more successful, organized approach.

Final Answer Selection

The word that best fills the blank is meandering, as it fits the description of an investigation that is less organized and potentially finds facts by chance.