Question 1

Chapter 5 suggests that you do two things after conducting an interview. What are they?

Accepted Answer

After conducting an interview, it is important to write down the important information to ensure you capture key insights and details. Sending a thank-you note is a courteous gesture that acknowledges the respondent's time and contribution.

Question 2

Which of the following types of research is least like field research?

Accepted Answer

B

Question 3

A writer is developing a questionnaire asking users about their experiences with a company's website. Which of the following questions is NOT flawed?

Accepted Answer

This is an open-ended question that allows the user to provide their own reasons for visiting the site, without leading them with specific options or language.

Answer: B 
 This question is flawed because it is overly vague and doesn't provide any context or specific areas for improvement. It also only offers "yes" or "no" as an answer, which doesn't allow for detailed feedback.

Answer: A 
 This question is appropriate because it asks about a specific aspect of the user's experience on the site (finding answers to questions) and provides a range of options for them to choose from.

Answer: D 
 This question is flawed because it uses subjective language ("flawed graphics") without defining what that means or providing specific examples. Additionally, it is a leading question because it suggests that the participant should have had difficulty using the site.

Question 4

Which source has the highest degree of authority on the subject of shale-oil deposits in North America?

Accepted Answer

An article in a journal for geological research would have the highest degree of authority on the subject of shale-oil deposits in North America because it would be written by experts in the field who have conducted research and analysis on the topic.

Question 5

Which statement best compares the information found on a wiki with the information from an edited website?

Accepted Answer

The lack of editors on a wiki means that there is a risk of inaccurate or false information being included, as anyone can contribute to the content without oversight or fact-checking. On the other hand, edited websites typically have a team of editors reviewing content before it is published, which can help ensure that the information presented is accurate.

Question 6

You are writing a report analyzing whether your company should hire a new vendor to provide data-warehousing services. You have found a white paper online that looks promising. How can you best judge the degree to which the authors are unbiased?

Accepted Answer

Checking whether the authors work as industry-wide consultants or contractors for specific vendors can give insight into their potential biases. If they work exclusively with one vendor, their opinions may be swayed in favor of that vendor. On the other hand, if they work as industry-wide consultants, they may have a more objective perspective. The other options (A, C, D) do not necessarily provide relevant information about the authors' potential biases.

Question 7

What is the term for demographic information about individuals who use and follow social media?

Accepted Answer

The term for demographic information about individuals who use and follow social media is analytics. Option A (big data) refers to a vast amount of data collected from various sources, including social media. Option B (analysis) is a general term that can refer to the examination of any type of data. Option D (mined data) refers to data that has been extracted or gathered from various sources, including social media.

Question 8

With which research method does the researcher have the LEAST amount of control?

Accepted Answer

In field research, the researcher has the least amount of control over the variables being studied since they are observing and collecting data in the natural environment, which is outside of their control. In interviews, experiments, and inquiries, the researcher has more control over the variables being studied.

Question 9

A writer who is researching a state agency's transition from paper-based reports to paperless electronic reports has scheduled an interview with a senior writer at the agency. Which of the following interview questions is likely to be most effective?

Accepted Answer

This question focuses specifically on the transition to electronic reports and how it will impact the senior writer's job, allowing for a more in-depth and informative response. The other questions are either too broad or unrelated to the topic at hand.

Question 10

Which source is least likely to be valuable when you have a question about new trends in the semiconductor industry?

Accepted Answer

An encyclopedia is a general reference source and is not updated frequently, so it may not contain up-to-date information about new trends in the semiconductor industry.

Question 11

Which of the following tactics does Chapter 5 recommend for gathering information to use in a document?

Accepted Answer

Chapter 5 recommends triangulating your research methods, which involves using multiple sources and approaches to gather information. This helps to ensure that the information is reliable and accurate. Cross-referencing your citations is also important to ensure that you are accurately attributing information to its original source. Recording your source notes only on a digital device may be convenient, but it is also important to have a backup in case of technical issues or loss of data.

Question 12

You are interviewing the mayor of your city for a report on the prospects for high-tech manufacturing there. Which of the following questions will be most effective in an interview?

Accepted Answer

Question B is most effective because it asks for a detailed evaluation of the impact of tax incentives on retaining expanding companies, encouraging a more informative and nuanced response.

Question 13

in which phase of the writing process is it best to conduct research?

Accepted Answer

Conducting research is an important part of planning, as it helps you gather information and ideas to incorporate into your writing. It also allows you to identify any gaps in your knowledge or research, which can be addressed before you start actually writing your piece.

Question 14

Chapter 5 advises researchers to look for information that is current. What are two other characteristics that the chapter says information from research should have?

Accepted Answer

The chapter advises that information from research should not have bias and should be comprehensive in addition to being current. There is no mention of the author's fame or the design of the information as important characteristics.

Question 15

Which word best describes the kind of information found in reference works?

Accepted Answer

Reference works provide broad-based information that covers a wide range of topics in a comprehensive manner.

Question 16

which of these is considered a traditional tool for secondary research?

Accepted Answer

An online catalog is considered a traditional tool for secondary research as it allows one to search for and access previously published material such as books, articles, and reports. Tagged content, questionnaires, and microblogs could be considered sources of secondary research information, but they are not typically considered traditional tools.

Question 17

Your manager has asked you to recommend which of two new types of digital camera to buy for your company's publications department. Which of the following is likely to be the best source of information for your report?

Accepted Answer

A website is likely to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about the two new types of digital camera. It is also likely to include reviews and comparisons from other users, which can provide valuable insights for making a purchasing decision. A book, scholarly article, or abstract service may provide some information, but may be more limited in scope and may not provide the latest information.

Question 18

conducting an experiment involves four stages. One is reporting the data. What are the other three?

Accepted Answer

The three other stages of conducting an experiment are testing the hypothesis, establishing a hypothesis, and analyzing the data. Duplicating the experiment is not necessarily a stage, but rather a way to ensure the validity of the results. Selecting suitable test subjects is also important, but it is just one aspect of the overall experimental design.

Question 19

who is the world's biggest publisher?

Accepted Answer

The U.S. government is considered the world's biggest publisher due to the vast amount of documents, reports, and publications it produces annually.

Question 20

You are writing a report about technical methods used for desalination of seawater. Which of these resources is LEAST likely to provide the technical information you need?

Accepted Answer

A discussion board about ecology is least likely to provide technical information about desalination methods. The other resources mentioned are more directly related to the technical aspects of desalination.

Quiz 5: Researching Your Subject