Question 1

According to the analogy in the iceberg principle, the portion of a problem that extends above the water reveals the:
A) marketing problems.
B) symptoms.
C) hypotheses.
D) problem background.

Accepted Answer

The iceberg principle states that the part of a problem that is visible above the surface of the water is only a small fraction of the total problem, much like an iceberg where only a small portion is visible above the waterline. Therefore, the portion of the problem that is visible (above the water) is the symptoms of the problem, not the problem itself.

Question 2

Which of the following is not part of defining a problem?
A) Ascertain decision-maker's objectives
B) Understand background of the problem
C) Determine the unit of analysis
D) Determine the sampling procedure

Accepted Answer

Determining the sampling procedure is not part of defining a problem. Defining a problem involves understanding the decision-maker's objectives, understanding the background of the problem, and determining the unit of analysis. Selecting a sampling procedure occurs during the research design phase, after the problem has been defined.

Question 3

A research objective defines what research should accomplish.

Accepted Answer

A research objective sets the goal or purpose of the research study, indicating what the study seeks to accomplish.

Question 4

The overall evaluation of a research design includes cost and time frame.

Accepted Answer

The overall evaluation of a research design often includes considerations of cost and time frame, as these factors are crucial in determining the feasibility and scope of the research project.

Question 5

A research proposal has nine stages.

Accepted Answer

A research proposal typically includes several key components rather than a fixed number of stages, and the exact number can vary depending on the guidelines of the funding body, academic institution, or specific field of study. Common components include the introduction, literature review, research questions, methodology, significance of the study, and a bibliography, among others.

Question 6

A proposal is a written statement of a research design that includes a statement explaining the purpose of the study and a systemic outline of procedure associated with a particular research methodology.

Accepted Answer

A proposal is indeed a written statement that outlines the research design, purpose of the study, and methodology to be used.

Question 7

After identifying the problem, the next stage of the problem definition process involves:
A) stating the hypotheses and research objectives.
B) isolating and identifying the problem.
C) determining the unit of analysis.
D) understanding the background of the problem.

Accepted Answer

The answer of After identifying the problem, the next stage...

Question 8

'Fitness club gym membership has been declining over the past two years.' This statement is an example of a:
A) true problem.
B) symptom.
C) hypothesis.
D) research objective.

Accepted Answer

The statement is not a true problem as it does not identify the root cause of the issue. It is not a hypothesis as it does not propose a possible explanation. It is not a research objective as it does not provide a specific goal for research. However, it is a symptom of a larger issue or problem that needs to be identified and addressed.

Question 9

'Older members of the residents no longer swim': This statement is an example of a:
A) true problem.
B) symptom.
C) hypothesis.
D) research objective.

Accepted Answer

The answer of 'Older members of the residents no longer...

Question 10

A researcher's version of a marketing problem is called hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a tentative explanation for a phenomenon or problem that the researcher formulates based on available evidence and knowledge. It is not a version of a marketing problem, but rather a proposed solution or explanation for the problem.

Question 11

In the problem definition process, which stage precedes specifying the research questions?
A) Determining the relevant variables
B) Understanding the background of the problem
C) Ascertaining the decision-maker's objectives
D) Determine the unit of analysis

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the problem definition process, which stage...

Question 12

A variable that has infinite number of possible values is called as independent variable.

Accepted Answer

A variable that has infinite number of possible values is called a continuous variable, not independent variable. Independent variable is the variable that is manipulated by the researcher and is expected to cause changes in the dependent variable.

Question 13

'Consumers prefer taste of a competitor's brand.' This statement is an example of a:
A) true problem.
B) symptom.
C) hypothesis.
D) research objective.

Accepted Answer

The statement represents a symptom, as it indicates an issue or a problem with the taste of the brand being researched, which could lead to further investigation and research to determine why consumers prefer the taste of a competitor's product. A true problem would be a clear and defined issue that needs to be solved, while a hypothesis is an assumption or explanation that needs to be tested, and a research objective is a specific goal or aim of a research study.

Question 14

Dummy tables are representations of actual tables that appears in the research proposal.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dummy tables are representations of actual tables...

Question 15

Selection of a sampling procedure deals with the source of data.

Accepted Answer

Selection of a sampling procedure involves choosing how to collect data from a particular source, such as a population, group, or dataset. Therefore, it is true that the sampling procedure deals with the source of data.

Question 16

Problem statements and research questions are similar.

Accepted Answer

Problem statements define the issue that the research will address, while research questions specify the aspects of the problem that the study aims to answer.

Question 17

Anything that may assume different numerical or categorical value is called variable.

Accepted Answer

This is the commonly accepted definition of a variable in statistics.

Question 18

'In what ways we can price our new product?' is an example of a decision statement.

Accepted Answer

A decision statement is a statement that poses a question or issue that needs to be evaluated in order to make a decision. "In what ways we can price our new product?" is an example of a decision statement because it presents a question that needs to be evaluated in order to determine the pricing strategy for the new product.

Question 19

Sampling often includes data collection.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sampling often includes data collection....

Question 20

An unproven proposition is known as theory.

Accepted Answer

An unproven proposition is more accurately referred to as a hypothesis; a theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, often based on a body of evidence and multiple tested hypotheses.

Quiz 2: Problem Definition and the Research Process

According to the analogy in the iceberg principle, the portion of a problem that extends above the water reveals the:

Which of the following is not part of defining a problem?