Deck 11: Researching Writing Reports

Question 1

The data associated with participants in a study should always be anonymous.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Common factors that need to be investigated for reports include subtopics of the overall topic and possible causes of a problem.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

The ranking technique provides a scale showing the complete range of possible attitudes on a topic and assigns number values to the positions on the scale.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Descriptive statistics are typically used to generalize about a population based on the study of a sample.

Question 5

No one can post or edit articles in Wikipedia except the site moderator.

Question 6

Problem statements are generally written in the form of a question or infinitive phrase.

Question 7

Search tools that allow users to run a search simultaneously with several individual search engines are called metasearch tools.

Question 8

Secondary research produces new information through the use of surveys.

Question 9

Demographic testing measures a person's experience when interacting with a product.

Question 10

Quantitative researchers use research tools that generate verbal data.

Question 11

The decimal outlining method uses Roman numerals to show the major sections of a business report.

Question 12

The information collected by groups that advocate a position is usually more creditable than information gathered by neutral parties.

Question 13

Researchers use area sampling when no master source list of a population is available.

Question 14

Libraries have become obsolete.

Question 15

LinkedIn focuses more on social connections than on professional connections.

Question 16

The objective quality of a report is its unbiased approach.

Question 17

Websites should be evaluated for completeness, accuracy, and reliability.

Question 18

Probability samples are based on chance selection procedures.

Question 19

The Boolean operator AND is used to expand a search by adding variations to the basic search term.

Question 20

To conduct an experiment, you systematically manipulate one factor of a problem while holding all the others constant.

Question 21

Which of the following statements about purpose statements is true?

A) Purpose statements are not used when the problem statement is stated in a business report.
B) Infinitive phrases are avoided when writing purpose statements.
C) Purpose statements are short constructions of one or two words and merely identify the topic of discussion.
D) Purpose statements are placed at the end of business reports.
E) Purpose statements are often written in the form of a question.

Question 22

When two search terms are linked with the Boolean operator OR, it

A) narrows the search.
B) eliminates citations with a particular term.
C) performs bibliographic management.
D) retrieves only those citations that contain both terms.
E) adds variations to the basic search term.

Question 23

Maintaining objectivity is an important part of achieving credibility.

Question 24

The _____ statement of a business report provides a clear description of the situation that created the need for the report.

A) complimentary
B) purpose
C) salutation
D) problem
E) hypothesis

Question 25

Which of the following statements about factors is true?

A) They are the bases for the evaluation of a solution.
B) They are the solutions to a problem.
C) They can vary widely depending on the problem.
D) They are also known as purpose statements.
E) They cannot be further subdivided.

Question 26

Headings should be highly detailed.

Question 27

A technique of good report writing is to bring to life the contents of your report by using passive-voice verbs as much as possible.

Question 28

Which of the following is true about problem statements?

A) Problem statements do not use active voice.
B) Problem statements eliminate the need for purpose statements.
C) Problem statements are typically written in the form of a question.
D) Problem statements should be written using an infinitive phrase.
E) Problem statements are generally written as descriptive statements.

Question 29

Which of the following is a source of primary research?

A) an encyclopedia
B) a government publication
C) an almanac
D) an interview
E) a website

Question 30

A well-structured outline for a report clearly indicates the hierarchy of the information in the report.

Question 31

In the course of writing a business report, once you've defined the problem and identified your purpose, the immediate next step is to

A) determine what factors you need to investigate.
B) gather the required information.
C) analyze the available information.
D) use the test of experience.
E) use the negative test.

Question 32

Estela visits a website to collect information for her report. Estela is conducting ______ research.

A) primary
B) empirical
C) secondary
D) direct observation
E) survey

Question 33

The Boolean operator NOT is primarily used to

A) add variations to the basic search term.
B) eliminate citations with a particular term.
C) expand a search.
D) segregate synonymous citations.
E) broaden the scope of the search.

Question 34

Which of the following would you do while conducting secondary research?

A) read a journal article
B) ask interview questions
C) engage in direct observation
D) conduct an experiment
E) hand out surveys

Question 35

Which of the following is true about secondary research?

A) It primarily involves gathering data through methods of direct observation.
B) It uncovers information firsthand.
C) It uses material that someone else has published.
D) It includes user testing.
E) It primarily involves gathering data through experiments.

Question 36

For best results, all members of a report-writing group should be assigned the task of editing the final draft.

Question 37

Primary research produces new information through the use of things like

A) surveys.
B) periodicals.
C) brochures.
D) digital publications.
E) websites.

Question 38

Which of the following is the most appropriate problem statement for a business report on a decline in sales?

A) to determine why company sales have declined
B) Why have company sales declined?
C) Sales have declined 10 percent since the last fiscal year.
D) What is the reason for the decline of company sales?
E) to investigate the cause of the decline in company sales

Question 39

The _____ in a business report is also called the research or report objective and is typically written in the form of a question.

A) complimentary close
B) concluding statement
C) salutation
D) problem statement
E) purpose statement

Question 40

Which of the following is true about primary research?

A) It uses material that someone else has published.
B) It primarily involves compiling information from periodicals, brochures, and books.
C) It uncovers secondhand information.
D) It is typically conducted before one engages in secondary research.
E) It produces new information through the use of experiments.

Question 41

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of an online library catalog?

A) It enables you to search the material in several ways.
B) It provides only non-indexed content.
C) It is the best source for primary research.
D) It increases a blog's rating.
E) It generates only archaic information.

Question 42

The sampling technique that gives every member of the group under study an equal chance of being included is known as _____ sampling.

A) simple random
B) cluster
C) systematic
D) convenience
E) purposeful

Question 43

Parminder is evaluating a website she may want to reference in a report she is writing. When she examines the contact information, she is looking at the site's

A) purpose.
B) qualifications.
C) validity.
D) structure.
E) ethics.

Question 44

If you were evaluating a website according to the structure criteria, which of the following questions would you be attempting to answer?

A) How is the site organized?
B) Is the information from the original source?
C) Why was the information provided?
D) What are the credentials of the information provider?
E) When was the information posted?

Question 45

Which of the following is true of treating research participants ethically?

A) Participants in a research study have the right to informed consent.
B) Participation in a research study is compulsory.
C) People do not have the right to discontinue their participation once they begin a research study.
D) Anonymity in a research study means that the participant's identity is known only to the researcher and participant.
E) Confidentiality in a research study means that the participant's identity is known only to the participant.

Question 46

To do a good job of searching periodicals at your library, you should use

A) an online database such as LexisNexis.
B) the online catalog.
C) web-based, industry-specific reference materials such as BizMiner.
D) the Library of Congress Authorities webpage.
E) a card catalog and visit to the stacks.

Question 47

Which of the following is an advantage of using Boolean logic?

A) It helps to construct a hypothesis to test a very specific research question.
B) It ensures that the secondary data collected is accurate.
C) It ensures that the primary data collected is accurate.
D) It helps to get relevant Internet-based information.
E) It aids in conducting primary research.

Question 48

A metasearch engine allows you to

A) search websites using more than one search engine.
B) conduct online surveys quickly and efficiently.
C) narrow your search much like the Boolean operator NOT.
D) search the web itself rather than indexes.
E) conduct primary research.

Question 49

Which of the following primarily measures a person's experience when interacting with a product?

A) a metasearch tool
B) simple random sampling
C) stratified random sampling
D) systematic sampling
E) usability testing

Question 50

A listserv is

A) the same thing as an RSS feed.
B) an electronic mailing list.
C) used to connect LinkedIn members to others in their profession.
D) the list of results retrieved during a library search.
E) used to evaluate the trustworthiness of a website.

Question 51

Carmen identifies each member of the group she wants to sample and records their identifications on a list. She cuts the list into strips, each with a single identification, and puts them into a basket. She then closes her eyes and draws strips of paper from the basket until she has the number of strips she wants. Carmen is using ______ sampling.

A) systematic
B) area
C) simple random
D) stratified random
E) convenience

Question 52

Which of the following statements about searching online is true?

A) Not all documents published online are indexed.
B) Specialized search engines are available but should be avoided.
C) A metasearch engine can be used to search the entire web.
D) Wikipedia is one of the best search engines available.
E) Search engines return only high quality, trustworthy websites.

Question 53

The difference between before-after and controlled before-after experimental design is that the

A) controlled before-after design is meant specifically for primary research.
B) before-after design is meant specifically for primary research.
C) controlled before-after design involves not one group, but two.
D) before-after design eliminates the possibility of other variables influencing the results.
E) before-after design measures the variables to be tested before the experiment begins.

Question 54

What is the advantage of RSS feeds?

A) They keep users up-to-date on the Internet information they're interested in.
B) They provide an online network of library content and services.
C) They help users to keep their computers virus free.
D) They enable readers to access useful data without using an aggregator.
E) They enable readers to access useful data without using a feed reader.

Question 55

Which of the following statements about Facebook is true?

A) It is especially useful for conducting surveys.
B) Facebook's use as a research tool is limited to secondary research.
C) The main way to use Facebook as a research tool is to follow certain people.
D) It is primarily used by professionals as a networking device.
E) It maintains listservs that members can access and use to contact study participants.

Question 56

Wikipedia is usually not used as a main resource for research because it

A) can be used only for primary research.
B) is written by and maintained by volunteers.
C) gives only an interpretive approach to a topic.
D) utilizes electronic personal agents.
E) cannot be used to learn about a new subject.

Question 57

Which of the following statements about RSS feeds is true?

A) RSS stands for released story syndication.
B) They are more popular than ever due to the rise of social media.
C) They send new content to the RSS readers of subscribers.
D) They are specialized search engines.
E) They are used only in conjunction with blog posts.

Question 58

During the report-writing process, to minimize errors while interpreting your information you should

A) add color to interpretations to make the report more interesting.
B) always reach a conclusion.
C) make the facts more exciting than they actually are.
D) refrain from collecting representative data.
E) refrain from interpreting a lack of evidence as proof to the contrary.

Question 59

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of qualitative researchers?

A) They primarily deal with numeric data.
B) They use research tools that primarily generate verbal data.
C) They are comparatively less interpretive than quantitative researchers.
D) They avoid using primary research methods.
E) They apply statistical tests to the data they generate.

Question 60

The small-scale version of a survey that is conducted before the actual survey is distributed is referred to as a(n)

A) random survey.
B) stratified study.
C) observational study.
D) pilot study.
E) purposeful survey.

Question 61

In the absence of any information establishing Mr. Simon Chavez as a good credit risk, you conclude he is a poor risk and turn down his application for a store credit card. Which fallacy is most likely to undermine the validity of your decision?

A) irrelevant data
B) acceptance of lack of evidence as proof to the contrary
C) comparison of noncomparable data
D) illogical cause-effect conclusions
E) unreliable data

Question 62

Which of the following headings, taken from the same report, violates parallelism of construction?

A) An Increase in Shipping Fees
B) A Rise in Employee Satisfaction
C) A Decline in Sales
D) Production Cost Is Increasing
E) A Decrease in Waste

Question 63

Which of the following transitions is dissimilar from the others in terms of the type of transition it makes?

A) on the other hand
B) in spite of
C) however
D) also
E) on the contrary

Question 64

The conventional outlining system typically uses _____ to show the lesser headings in a report.

A) Roman numerals
B) decimals
C) Arabic numbers
D) Greek letters
E) irrational numbers

Question 65

Which of the following is most likely to be true about collaborative writing projects?

A) The specialized knowledge of different people degrades the quality of the work because they will often have conflicting purposes.
B) The combined talents of the members in a group are likely to produce a better document than any one of the members could produce alone.
C) Dividing the work will increase the time needed for the project.
D) There are not many software tools available that allow groups to collaborate easily.
E) It is best to wait to decide on a plan until the group members have brought in their preliminary findings.

Question 66

Which of the following organization patterns is best suited for creating an outline of a report regarding the progress of a company merger?

A) the place-based pattern
B) the quantity-based pattern
C) the place-quantity pattern
D) the time-based pattern
E) the quality-based pattern

Question 67

Examine the following sentence taken from a report. Which relationship to the preceding content is established by the transitional phrase? "For this reason, we need to increase our factory output by 15 percent."

A) contrast
B) cause-effect
C) likeness
D) explanation
E) enumeration of subjects

Question 68

Examine the following sentence taken from a report. What relationship does the transition establish between this sentence and the preceding content? "However, storage costs have dropped over the last quarter."

A) contrast
B) cause-result
C) likeness
D) listing
E) elaboration

Question 69

The decimal outlining system uses _____ to show the major sections in a report.

A) Roman numerals
B) Greek letters
C) letters of the alphabet
D) whole numbers
E) ratios

Question 70

Garrett conducts a study of a company that shows that employees who work more than eight hours a day are paid more than their co-workers. This leads Garrett to believe that working longer hours results in higher pay rates. However, re-analysis of the data from the study shows that the employees working longer hours have salaried jobs and are paid the same rate no matter how many hours they work. Their higher pay rate is a result of their increased responsibilities. Which of the following errors in interpretation is illustrated by Garrett's initial conclusion?

A) drawing an illogical cause-effect conclusion
B) drawing a conclusion when the facts do not support one
C) interpreting a lack of evidence as proof to the contrary
D) coloring interpretations to make them appear interesting
E) trusting data from an unreliable source

Question 71

Using present-time viewpoint requires that all

A) verbs used be in the present tense and the active voice.
B) verbs used be in the past tense.
C) verbs used be in the past continuous tense.
D) current information be presented in the passive voice and the present progressive tense.
E) information other than the current information be presented in its proper place in the past or future.

Question 72

Which of the following statements about impersonal and personal writing is true?

A) Impersonal writing uses first and third person, but omits second person.
B) Impersonal writing is usually easier to comprehend than personal writing.
C) Personal writing is generally more conversational and interesting than impersonal writing.
D) Personal writing uses only the third person.
E) Impersonal writing should always be used when writing reports.

Question 73

Which of the following headings from a report violates parallelism of construction?

A) Profits Are Rising
B) Employees Are Adapting
C) The System Is Working
D) Budgets Are Falling
E) Forecast for Next Year

Question 74

Which of the following is an appropriate practice for improving your interpretation of findings?

A) drawing a conclusion by comparing two sets of dissimilar data
B) adding color to interpretations to make the report more interesting
C) accepting without question information from groups that advocate a position
D) using research to determine whether a cause-effect relationship is likely
E) refraining from collecting representative data

Question 75

Which of the following statements about constructing headings is not true?

A) It is okay for headings from two different levels to have different parallel structures.
B) The purpose of parallelism is to show similarity.
C) Words like an, a, and the should always be avoided in headings.
D) Headings should be as concise as possible while still being clear and informative.
E) Headings should use a variety of words.

Question 76

The conventional outlining system uses _____ to show the major headings in a report.

A) irrational numbers
B) letters of the alphabet
C) Arabic numbers
D) rational numbers
E) Roman numerals

Question 77

Which of the following headings from a report violates parallelism of construction?

A) Inspection of Retail Facilities
B) Consumer Demands Are Low
C) Shipping Receipts Remain Unchanged
D) Necessary Finances Are Available
E) Product Sales Are Competitive

Question 78

If the information you have collected has some relation to geographic location, you should typically use a _____ pattern of organization.

A) place-based
B) time-based
C) quantity-based
D) time-quantity based
E) quality-based

Question 79

Which of the following headings from a report violates parallelism of construction?

A) Decreasing Storage Costs
B) Recreation Costs Are Rising
C) Declining Internet Service Fees
D) Rising Food Expenses
E) Increasing Printing Costs

Question 80

Which of the following headings from a report violates parallelism of construction?

A) Slight Increase in Bank Debits
B) Freight Loadings Increase Slightly
C) Shipping Receipts Remain Unchanged
D) Online Sales Reach New High
E) Construction Activity Ends