Question 1

Which of the following is the FIRST step of the problem definition process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is the FIRST...

Question 2

The greater the number of research objectives, the better the research.

Accepted Answer

A large number of research objectives can lead to confusion, lack of focus, and difficulty in prioritizing and addressing each objective adequately. It's better to have a smaller number of clearly defined and achievable research objectives.

Question 3

Tables placed in research proposals that are exact representations of the actual tables that will show results in the final report with the exception that the results are hypothetical (fictitious) are referred to as surrogate tables.

Accepted Answer

These are called dummy tables.

Question 4

All of the following are helpful hints that can be useful in the interview process when attempting to understand the situation EXCEPT _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of All of the following are helpful hints...

Question 5

All of the following are gaps that represent problems EXCEPT _____.

Accepted Answer

Gap analysis typically identifies gaps where actual performance is lower than expected or desired performance. Option B is the only option where actual performance is higher than expected, which represents a positive outcome rather than a problem.

Question 6

An interview technique that tries to draw deeper and more elaborate explanations from the discussion is called _____.

Accepted Answer

Probing is a technique used to gain a deeper understanding of a topic by asking follow-up questions that encourage the interviewee to elaborate or clarify their responses.

Question 7

Which of the following make defining problems more difficult?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following make defining problems...

Question 8

All of the following are steps in the problem-definition process EXCEPT _____.

Accepted Answer

Developing dummy tables is not a step in the problem-definition process. The other options are all steps in the process.

Question 9

Basic business research refers to research usually performed by academic researchers and supported by some public or private institution.

Accepted Answer

Basic business research refers to research conducted by businesses themselves to gain insights into market trends, customer behavior, and the competition. It is usually not performed by academic researchers and may or may not be supported by public or private institutions.

Question 10

A(n) _____ involves the gathering of background information to familiarize researchers and managers with the decision-making environment.

Accepted Answer

Situation analysis involves gathering background information to understand the decision-making environment.

Question 11

A researcher is gathering background information to familiarize himself with his new client's business environment. He is analyzing marketplace conditions and conducting interviews with employees of the company. This researcher is conducting a _____.

Accepted Answer

The researcher is conducting a situation analysis, which involves gathering information about the company's marketplace conditions, as well as conducting interviews with employees to gain a better understanding of the business environment. A gap analysis, on the other hand, is a more specific type of analysis that involves identifying areas where the company is falling short in achieving its goals or meeting customer needs. Pre-research analysis and basic analysis are not specific types of research methods.

Question 12

A research proposal is a written statement of the research design.

Accepted Answer

A research proposal outlines the research design, including the research questions, methodology, data collection and analysis, expected outcomes, and significance of the study.

Question 13

An IT manager of a hospital needs to know the information technology needs of the healthcare providers and office personnel, so he decides to have research conducted. When he writes a list of key questions that he wishes to answer through research, what is he creating?

Accepted Answer

A decision statement outlines the key questions or problems that the research aims to address, guiding the research process.

Question 14

A wise researcher will not agree to do a research job for which no written proposal exists.

Accepted Answer

The written proposal is essential for outlining the scope, objectives, methodology, and budget of the research project. Without a written proposal, it is difficult to ensure that there is a clear understanding between the researcher and the client, and there may be a risk of disagreement regarding expectations and deliverables. Therefore, a wise researcher would not agree to undertake a research job without a written proposal in place.

Question 15

A written expression of the key question(s) that a research user wishes to answer is referred to as a _____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A written expression of the key question(s)...

Question 16

Which of the following is the LAST step of the problem definition process?

Accepted Answer

Writing research questions and/or hypotheses is the last step of the problem definition process as it involves finalizing the specific objectives and goals of the research study. Before this step, one needs to determine the relevant variables, understand the background of the problem, and determine the unit of analysis.

Question 17

Once the researcher has identified the key symptoms and identified the key problem(s) from those symptoms, what is the next step the researcher will take in the problem-definition process?

Accepted Answer

After identifying the key problem(s) from the symptoms, the next step for the researcher is to write the managerial decision statement and corresponding research objectives, which will guide the research study on how to address the identified problem(s). Determining the unit of analysis, determining the relevant variables and how to measure them, and writing research questions and/or hypotheses are all steps that come after defining the problem and setting the research objectives.

Question 18

When a researcher defines and develops a decision statement and the steps involved in translating it into more precise research terminology, he or she is involved in what process?

Accepted Answer

The process of defining and developing a decision statement and translating it into more precise research terminology is known as problem definition. This is an important step in the research process as it helps to clarify the research question and identify the variables that need to be studied. Other steps in the research process include hypotheses development, research planning, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Question 19

Which of the following is the most important question a researcher can ask when using a probing technique?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is the most...

Question 20

A researcher is asking managers and line workers questions such as what type of problems they experience, where they are most likely to experience them, who is responsible for them, and how the problems get resolved. Asking these what, where, who, when, why, and how questions to get a better understanding of his client's business decision-making situation is an example of using _____.

Accepted Answer

This is an example of using interrogative techniques, which involve asking questions to gather information and understanding about a particular situation or problem. The other options listed (peeling techniques, iceberg technique, 80/20 techniques) do not accurately describe the approach being used in this scenario.

Quiz 6: Problem Definition: the Foundation of Business Research