What is the action of examining something thoroughly to discover information?

The correct answer is that the action of examining something thoroughly to discover information is best described as "search." Searching implies an active, meticulous effort to uncover details, facts, or hidden elements within a given context. This term encompasses a wide range of investigative activities—whether it is looking for evidence in a crime scene, exploring data for insights, or probing deeper into a subject for comprehensive understanding.

While “inspect” suggests looking at something closely to check for defects or verify its condition, it doesn’t fully capture the broader notion of seeking out new information or understanding deeper contexts. “Scan,” on the other hand, tends to refer to a quicker overview or superficial examination rather than an in-depth search, and “review” implies going over previously collected information rather than actively seeking new insights. Thus, in the context of the question, "search" best aligns with the idea of thorough examination to discover new information.