Practical inquiry combines the formal research techniques of formulating questions and conducting literature reviews with site-based data collection and use of findings to improve practice. The object of practical inquiry is to explain a situation. The ultimate goal is to learn how to improve or change the work. Merging research and assessment helps better organize assessment while maintaining a practice-based focus. The process involves: (1) Finding a topic (identifying a research focus); (2) Formulating a question about the topic (research question); (3) Determining the best way to answer the question (choosing methods); (4) Formulating results based on data collected (assessment); (5) Determining implications for practice (application of research and assessment); and (6) Leading practitioners back to what other topics need to be explored (discovering more questions about the original topic or about a new topic--research). The author discusses how Rochester Institute of Technology has used this approach to improve support for residential students. (Contains 4 notes.)