Question 1

Which is NOT a communication mechanism used by business researchers?
A) research proposal
B) statistics
C) written research report
D) oral presentation
E) all of these choices are communication mechanisms used by business researchers

Accepted Answer

Statistics are tools used in research for data analysis, not a direct communication mechanism.

Question 2

The primary role of the researcher is to _____.
A) place the decision maker in the best position to make an informed decision
B) impress the decision maker
C) impress the decision maker's superior
D) use the most complex method of analysis to address the research questions and/or hypotheses
E) take as long as possible to conduct the research to indicate dedication to the decision maker

Accepted Answer

The primary role of the researcher is to provide the decision maker with the necessary information and insights to make an informed decision. This involves conducting quality research, analyzing the data, and presenting findings in a clear and concise manner. The goal is not to impress the decision maker or their superiors, but rather to support their decision-making process. Using the most complex method of analysis may not always be necessary or appropriate and taking too long to conduct the research can hinder decision-making timelines.

Question 3

What type of audience is most likely to understand the technical aspects of the research methods and results?
A) elementary school teachers
B) scientists
C) restaurant owners
D) car dealership owners
E) all of these choices

Accepted Answer

Scientists are the most likely audience to understand the technical aspects of research methods and results, as they have a background and training in research methodology and scientific analysis. Elementary school teachers, restaurant owners, and car dealership owners may not have the same level of expertise in these areas.

Question 4

Which principle implies that the researcher should gear written and oral communication to the level of the least sophisticate potential user in the audience?
A) bottom feeder principle
B) least among us principle
C) keep it short and simple principle
D) low hanging fruit principle
E) least common denominator principle

Accepted Answer

The "least common denominator principle" suggests that communication should be accessible and understandable to all members of an audience, including those with the least specialized knowledge or sophistication. This ensures that information is effectively communicated to everyone, regardless of their background or expertise level.

Question 5

All of the following are guidelines for technical writing EXCEPT _____.
A) front-end loading
B) keep it short and simple
C) goal orientation
D) use humor when possible
E) be graceful in ignorance

Accepted Answer

The other options are all common guidelines for technical writing, but using humor is generally not appropriate in technical writing as it can detract from the clarity and professionalism of the content.

Question 6

_____ means placing as much as possible of the most important content in the first few pages of the report.
A) Executive summary
B) Front-end loading
C) Loading up
D) KISS
E) Organization

Accepted Answer

Front-end loading is the practice of placing important content at the beginning of a report or project in order to engage the reader and provide a clear understanding of the key points. This allows the reader to quickly grasp the main ideas without having to read through lengthy sections or search for important information.

Question 7

What does "KISS" stand for with respect to guidelines for technical writing?
A) keep it simple stupid
B) keep it short and simple
C) keep it silly and sizzling
D) keep it stupid and simple
E) keep it short and stupid

Accepted Answer

"KISS" stands for "keep it short and simple" in technical writing, emphasizing the importance of clear and concise language in communicating complex technical information.

Question 8

All of the following are true regarding technical writing EXCEPT _____.
A) shorter words work better than longer words
B) shorter sentences work better than longer ones
C) summarize information in tables and charts when possible
D) use few prepositions
E) use tables and charts sparingly

Accepted Answer

Technical writing often involves summarizing complex information in a clear and concise manner, which includes the effective use of tables and charts to organize and present data. Therefore, using tables and charts sparingly contradicts the goal of clarity and efficiency in technical writing.

Question 9

One guideline for technical writing is to "Have Empathy." What does this mean?
A) keep it short and simple because people don't want to read that much about research
B) remember readers have varying abilities to understand technical information
C) remember the document has a clear goal or goals
D) avoid topics for which the report cannot shed any light
E) use a lot of headings and subheadings to break it up for readers

Accepted Answer

Having empathy in technical writing means considering the readers' varying abilities to understand technical information and writing in a way that is accessible and understandable to all. This helps to ensure that the information being presented is useful to the intended audience.

Question 10

One guideline for technical writing was titled "Be Graceful in Ignorance." What does this mean?
A) keep it short and simple
B) eliminate paragraphs, sentences, and words that are not necessary to complete a thought that helps build a case for the project
C) avoid topics for which the report cannot shed any light and spell out any limitations or shortcomings of the study
D) use a lot of headings and subheadings
E) remember that readers have varying abilities to understand technical information

Accepted Answer

"Be Graceful in Ignorance" means acknowledging and addressing limitations or areas where the writer may not have all the information or expertise. Therefore, the best choice is C, which specifically states to "spell out any limitations or shortcomings of the study." The other answer choices are not necessarily related to this guideline.

Question 11

All of the following are sections of a research proposal EXCEPT _____.
A) background information
B) problem statement and research questions
C) qualifications of the researcher and research firm
D) final report outline
E) results

Accepted Answer

Results are not part of a research proposal because the proposal is written before the research is conducted, and thus, results are not yet available.

Question 12

Robert is developing the research proposal for a client and is describing the relevant business situation and the scope of the study. In which section of the research proposal does this information belong?
A) background information
B) problem statement and research questions
C) research strategy and methods
D) final report outline
E) budget and schedule

Accepted Answer

The background information section of a research proposal typically includes a description of the relevant business situation and the scope of the study, as well as any contextual information that is necessary for understanding the research problem. This section is designed to provide the reader with a broad overview of the proposed project and to help them understand why the research is important and what its goals are.

Question 13

Which section of the research proposal describes the research design to be used, the variables that must be measured, the data collection approach, data sources, how data will be collected, and the statistical techniques that will be used to analyze the data?
A) background information
B) problem statement and research questions
C) research strategy and methods
D) final report outline
E) qualifications

Accepted Answer

The section that describes the research design, variable measurements, data collection approach, data sources, data collection methods, and statistical techniques is the research strategy and methods section. This section lays out the details of how the research will be conducted, and informs the reader about the steps the researcher will take in conducting the study.

Question 14

The "Problem Statement and Research Questions" section of the research proposal _____.
A) describes the relevant business situation and the scope of the study
B) clearly defines the research problem, listing and describing the research questions and/or hypotheses to be addressed
C) describes how the study will be conducted
D) is a basic outline of the final report
E) is a breakdown of the expected costs of performing the research project

Accepted Answer

The "Problem Statement and Research Questions" section of the research proposal clearly defines the research problem, listing and describing the research questions and/or hypotheses to be addressed. It sets the stage for the study and outlines what the researcher is intending to investigate.

Question 15

Which section of a research proposal includes a breakdown of the expected costs of performing the research project along with a time frame within which the research is to be conducted?
A) background information
B) problem statement and research questions
C) research strategy and methods
D) final report outline
E) budget and schedule

Accepted Answer

The budget and schedule section of a research proposal includes a breakdown of the expected costs of performing the research project along with a time frame within which the research is to be conducted.

Question 16

All EXCEPT which of the following are included in the title page of a written research report?
A) title of the project
B) principal decision maker for whom the research is being performed
C) date and names, affiliation, and contact information of the primary investigator(s)
D) key findings
E) all of these choices are included in the title page

Accepted Answer

The title page of a written research report typically includes the title of the project, the principal decision maker for whom the research is being performed, and the date and names, affiliation, and contact information of the primary investigator(s). Key findings are not included on the title page; they are detailed in the main body or executive summary of the report.

Question 17

Where should the location of all exhibits, tables, and figures be listed in a written research report?
A) title page
B) table of contents
C) introduction
D) executive summary
E) results

Accepted Answer

The location of all exhibits, tables, and figures should be listed in the table of contents to help the reader easily navigate the report and locate specific information.

Question 18

What is included in the executive summary of an applied business research report?
A) a statement of the purpose and key research questions
B) a brief description of the research design and related details
C) a summary of statistical results of testing research questions and/or hypotheses
D) a written interpretation of the findings framed as answers to the research questions
E) all of these choices

Accepted Answer

The executive summary of an applied business research report should include all of the choices listed: a statement of the purpose and key research questions, a brief description of the research design and related details, a summary of statistical results of testing research questions and/or hypotheses, and a written interpretation of the findings framed as answers to the research questions. This summary should provide a concise overview of the research project and its key findings and implications.

Question 19

How long should an executive summary to an applied business research report be?
A) 100-150 words
B) 500 words
C) half a page
D) 1-2 pages
E) 3 pages

Accepted Answer

An executive summary typically ranges from 1-2 pages and should provide a concise overview of the research report's purpose, methodology, results, and recommendations. It should be long enough to convey essential information but short enough to keep the reader's attention. Choices A, B, and C are too brief, while choice E is too long.

Question 20

What section of the written research report describes the way the study was conducted, including a description of the sampling process and sample characteristics, and the procedures used to gather data, including a description of the measures?
A) introduction
B) research methods
C) results
D) recommendations and conclusions
E) appendices

Accepted Answer

The research methods section typically includes a detailed description of the study design, the selection of participants or sampling process, and the procedures used to collect data. It also includes a description of the measures or instruments used in the study. This section provides important details about the methodology used to ensure the study's validity and reliability.

Quiz 16: Reporting and Presenting Research

Which is NOT a communication mechanism used by business researchers?

The primary role of the researcher is to _____.

What type of audience is most likely to understand the technical aspects of the research methods and results?

Which principle implies that the researcher should gear written and oral communication to the level of the least sophisticate potential user in the audience?

All of the following are guidelines for technical writing EXCEPT _____.

_____ means placing as much as possible of the most important content in the first few pages of the report.

What does "KISS" stand for with respect to guidelines for technical writing?

All of the following are true regarding technical writing EXCEPT _____.

One guideline for technical writing is to "Have Empathy." What does this mean?

One guideline for technical writing was titled "Be Graceful in Ignorance." What does this mean?

All of the following are sections of a research proposal EXCEPT _____.

Robert is developing the research proposal for a client and is describing the relevant business situation and the scope of the study. In which section of the research proposal does this information belong?

Which section of the research proposal describes the research design to be used, the variables that must be measured, the data collection approach, data sources, how data will be collected, and the statistical techniques that will be used to analyze the data?

The "Problem Statement and Research Questions" section of the research proposal _____.

Which section of a research proposal includes a breakdown of the expected costs of performing the research project along with a time frame within which the research is to be conducted?

All EXCEPT which of the following are included in the title page of a written research report?

Where should the location of all exhibits, tables, and figures be listed in a written research report?

What is included in the executive summary of an applied business research report?

How long should an executive summary to an applied business research report be?

What section of the written research report describes the way the study was conducted, including a description of the sampling process and sample characteristics, and the procedures used to gather data, including a description of the measures?