Question 1

Hypotheses are used to generate theory and laws and they have no place in problem definition.

Accepted Answer

Hypotheses can be used in problem definition to formulate a research question or to guide the investigation of a problem. However, they are primarily used to generate theory and laws through empirical testing.

Question 2

Whenever there is an information gap that is relevant to the problem,the researcher and manager come to agree that the information needed to close the gap is a research objective.

Accepted Answer

This statement is correct. Research objectives are developed to fill the information gap that is relevant to solving the problem at hand. The researcher and manager work together to determine what specific information is needed in order to make important decisions or take appropriate action. The research objectives guide the research process and help to ensure that the research is focused on addressing the information gap identified.

Question 3

The marketing research proposal serves one main function: it states the problem.

Accepted Answer

A marketing research proposal serves multiple functions, including stating the problem, outlining the research objectives, detailing the research methodology, providing a timeline, and estimating the costs.

Question 4

A demographic forecast that the number of teenagers will decrease dramatically over the next ten years may be symptomatic of an opportunity to create new drugs designed for teenage problems such as acne or weight issues.

Accepted Answer

A decrease in the number of teenagers would generally indicate a shrinking market for products specifically targeting teenage issues, making it less attractive for companies to invest in new drugs for this demographic.

Question 5

Researchers may gain additional information necessary to define the problem properly by conducting a situation analysis.

Accepted Answer

Conducting a situation analysis can provide researchers with a better understanding of the context and environment in which the problem exists, which can then help them define the problem more accurately.

Question 6

Essentially,possible decision alternatives include any marketing action that the marketing manager thinks may resolve the problem.

Accepted Answer

Yes, this statement is true. Decision alternatives can include any possible marketing action that the manager believes can effectively address the problem at hand.

Question 7

An operational definition is necessary for a construct to be measured empirically.

Accepted Answer

An operational definition is a clearly defined procedure for measuring or manipulating a concept. It is essential in empirical research as it provides a specific and objective way to gather data and test hypotheses about the construct being studied. Without an operational definition, it would be impossible to measure a construct in a meaningful and reliable way.

Question 8

When managers have already defined the problem prior to calling upon researchers,then researchers must resist the temptation to go along with the first definition suggested.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When managers have already defined the problem...

Question 9

Both situations,"failure to meet an objective" and "opportunity," have the same consequence for managers.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Both situations,"failure to meet an objective" and...

Question 10

When current information falls short of desired information there is an information gap.

Accepted Answer

This is the definition and concept of an information gap.

Question 11

Upon validating the symptoms,the researcher is now ready to examine their causes..

Accepted Answer

Once the symptoms have been validated, the next step is to investigate and identify the causes behind them.

Question 12

Even if we know the consequence,we still need marketing research.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Even if we know the consequence,we still...

Question 13

A construct provides us with a mental concept that represents real-world phenomena and,while useful to build complex theories,has no place in defining marketing research problems.

Accepted Answer

Constructs are fundamental in defining marketing research problems as they help in conceptualizing abstract ideas into measurable variables, thus playing a crucial role in the research process.

Question 14

There is always some cause(s)to change.However,researchers only must determine the very likely causes to change in properly defining the problem.

Accepted Answer

The answer of There is always some cause(s)to change.However,researchers only...

Question 15

A good MIS will provide management with symptoms that performance for a particular objective is not at a desirable level long before a predetermined date on which the objective is to be assessed.

Accepted Answer

A good MIS (Management Information System) gathers and analyzes data to provide management with information on how the organization is performing in relation to its objectives. By providing early warning of potential issues, management can take corrective action to improve performance before the predetermined date for objective assessment arrives. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 16

When managers recognize there is a problem,they must define the problem by identifying the decision alternatives.

Accepted Answer

When managers recognize a problem, they must identify the decision alternatives, evaluate the alternatives, and choose the best course of action.

Question 17

Researchers realize that,when formulating research objectives,the information requested of respondents must be worded using the researchers' frame of reference.

Accepted Answer

The statement is incorrect. When formulating research objectives, the information requested of respondents must be worded using the respondents' frame of reference. This helps to ensure clear understanding and more accurate responses from the participants.

Question 18

An "ITB" in research is an "invitation to buy."

Accepted Answer

An "ITB" in research stands for "invitation to bid," not "invitation to buy." It is a solicitation from a company or organization requesting bids from vendors or suppliers for goods or services.

Question 19

An "RFP" in research is a "request for proposal."

Accepted Answer

An RFP in research indeed stands for "request for proposal." It is a document that is used to solicit proposals from potential vendors, contractors, or service providers for a particular project or opportunity.

Quiz 3: The Marketing Research Process Including the Problem and Research Objectives