Question 1

Print is a common medium for publishing information. Chapter 6 identifies four other publishing media. What are two other media listed in the chapter?

Accepted Answer

Chapter 6 identifies websites and social media as two other publishing media in addition to print, microfilm, and microfiche.

Question 2

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 is open-ended and focused on the specific topic of interest, allowing the interviewee to provide detailed information about their experience and opinions on the transition to electronic reports. It also emphasizes the potential impact on the writer's job, which is directly relevant to the research question. The other options are more general, less focused, and less likely to yield useful information.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The other stages of conducting an experiment are testing the hypothesis, establishing a hypothesis, and analyzing the data. Duplicating the experiment and selecting suitable test subjects are not considered stages of conducting an experiment.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following types of research...

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

A journal for geological research will likely have the most in-depth and specialized information on shale-oil deposits in North America, written by experts in the field.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Research should be conducted during the planning phase of the writing process so that the information gathered can be used to inform and shape the content of the writing.

Question 7

Chapter 6 suggests that you do two things after conducting an interview. What are they?

Accepted Answer

Transcribing the audio recording is not necessarily required, but writing down the important information is essential for organizing and analyzing the data. Sending a thank-you note is also recommended as a way of showing gratitude and maintaining a positive relationship with the respondent. Follow-up interviews may be necessary in some cases, but it is not a standard procedure after every interview.

Question 8

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 of seawater. While it may offer some environmental perspectives on desalination, it is unlikely to provide in-depth technical details about different methods of desalination.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

An online catalog is a traditional tool for secondary research as it allows researchers to access existing information and data on a particular topic. Tagged content, microblogs, and questionnaires are more often used in primary research.

Question 10

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. This refers to the process of gathering and analyzing data to gain insights and make informed decisions. Big data and mined data are related concepts but refer more broadly to the large volumes of data that are generated and collected through various sources. Analysis is also a related concept but does not specifically refer to demographic information or social media.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Unlike edited websites, a wiki lacks a formal vetting process, making it more susceptible to errors and misinformation. While a wiki's openness allows for more rapid updates, it also means that anyone can make contributions, regardless of their expertise or intentions. As a result, authors on a wiki may mix truth with fiction.edited websites are typically vetted by one or more editors, which can help ensure accuracy and accountability.

Question 12

Which of these resources is NOT likely to appear in a library's online database?

Accepted Answer

While some libraries may include blog posts in their online databases, it is less likely than the other options listed. This is because blogs are often considered less reputable or scholarly sources compared to academic conferences, magazines, and national newspapers.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Reference works are typically designed to provide foundational information on a wide variety of topics. They serve as a starting point for research, providing basic facts, definitions, and context that can help users gain a general understanding of a subject before delving further into more specialized sources of information.

Question 14

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 judge the degree to which the authors are unbiased?

Accepted Answer

Checking whether the authors work as industry-wide consultants or as contractors for specific vendors can indicate whether they have any biases or conflicts of interest. If they work for a specific vendor or have a connection to a vendor, they may be biased in favor of that vendor's products or services.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Encyclopedias are usually outdated and do not contain the latest information on new trends in the semiconductor industry. The other options (B, C, and D) are more likely to have current and relevant information.

Question 16

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 17

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 18

Chapter 6 advises researchers to look for information that is current. What are two other characteristics of reliable information that the chapter says you should look for?

Accepted Answer

The chapter advises researchers to look for information that lacks bias and is comprehensive in addition to being current. Having a well-known author or an attractive design are not necessarily indicators of reliability.

Question 19

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 be the best source of information for a recommendation on which digital camera to buy for a publications department. This is because websites of reputable camera manufacturers or technology blogs will have the latest information on camera features, specifications, and reviews from professionals and consumers. This information can be quickly accessed and compared to help make an informed decision. Books, scholarly articles, and abstract services may not provide the most up-to-date and relevant information on digital cameras for a business purchase.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Field research involves studying participants in their natural environment, and the researcher has little control over the variables in the study. In contrast, experiments provide the most control as the researcher can manipulate variables to observe the effects on outcomes. Interviews and inquiries provide moderate control as the researcher can structure questions to elicit certain information from participants.

Quiz 6: Researching Your Subject