Research

I. Multiple choice questions

1. Research is
a) searching again and again b) finding solution to any problem
c) working in a scientific way to search for truth of any problem d) none of the above
Answer: C
 
2. Which of the following is the first step in starting the research process?
a) searching sources of information to locate problem. b) survey of related literature
c) identification of problem d) searching for solutions to the problem
Answer: C
 
3. A common test in research demands much priority on
a) reliability b) useability c) objectivity d) all of the above
Answer: D
 
4. A reasoning where we start with certain particular statements and conclude with a universal statement is called
a) deductive reasoning b) inductive reasoning c) abnormal reasoning
d) transcendental reasoning
Answer: B
 
5. Which of the following variables cannot be expressed in qualitative terms?
a) socio-economic status b) marital status c) age d) professional attitude
Answer: C
 
6. The essential qualities of a researcher are
a) spirit of free enquiry b) reliance on observation and evidence
c) systematization or theorizing of knowledge d) all the above
Answer: D
 
7. In the process of conducting research ‘Formulation of Hypothesis” is followed by
a) statement of objectives b) analysis of data c) selection of research tools
d) collection of data
Answer: C
 
8. A research paper is a brief report of research work based on
a) primary data only b) secondary data only
c) both primary and secondary data d) none of the above
Answer: C
 
9. Information is…..
a) raw data              b) processed data c) input data             d) organized data
Answer: D

10. Conference proceedings are considered as..................documents.

a) conventional b) primary c) secondary d) tertiary
Answer: B

11. An appropriate source to find out descriptive information is................ .

a) bibliography b) directory c) encyclopedia d) dictionary
Answer: C
 
12. One of the following search engine is exclusively meant for scientific information :
a) Google b) Yahoo c) SCIRUS d) Altavista
Answer: C

13. Inductive logic proceeds from:

a) general to general b) particular to general c) general to particular
d) particular to particular
Answer: B

14. Which of the following is not covered under Intellectual Property Rights?
a) Copyrights b) Patents c) Trade Marks d) Thesaurus
Answer: D

15. Which of the following is not true about e journals?

a) they are distributed through digital methods b) they also have editors or editorial boards
c) they are publications of serial nature d) they are always free of cost
Answer: D

16. Which of the following should not be a criterion for a good research project?
a) demonstrates the abilities of the researcher
b) is dependent on the completion of other projects
c) demonstrates the integration of different fields of knowledge
d) develops the skills of the researcher
Answer: B

17. Which form of reasoning is the process of drawing a specific conclusion from a set of premises?
a) objective reasoning b) positivistic reasoning c) inductive reasoning
d) deductive reasoning
Answer: D

18. A researcher designs an experiment to test how variables interact to influence job-seeking behaviours. The main
purpose of the study was:
a) description b) prediction c) exploration d) explanation
Answer: D

19. Cyber bullying at work is a growing threat to employee job satisfaction. Researchers want to find out why
people do this and how they feel about it. The primary purpose of the study is:
a) description b) prediction c) exploration d) explanation
Answer: C

20. A theory: 
a) is an accumulated body of knowledge b) includes inconsequential ideas
c) is independent of research methodology d) should be viewed uncritically
Answer:A

21. Which research method is a bottom-up approach to research?

a) deductive method b) explanatory method c) inductive method d) exploratory method
Answer: C

22. Which of the following is a good research question?

a) to produce a report on student job searching behaviors
b) to identify the relationship between self-efficacy and student job searching behaviors
c) students with higher levels of self-efficacy will demonstrate more active job searching behaviors
d) Do students with high levels of self-efficacy demonstrate more active job searching behaviors?
Answer: D

23. The feasibility of a research study should be considered in light of: 

a) cost and time required to conduct the study b) potential ethical concerns
c) access to gatekeepers and respondents d) all of the above
Answer: D

24. Research that uses qualitative methods for one phase and quantitative methods for the next phase is known as:
a)action research b) mixed-method research c) quantitative research d) pragmatic research
Answer: B

25. Research hypotheses are:

a) formulated prior to a review of the literature b) statements of predicted relationships between variables
c) both A and B d) none of the above
Answer: B

26. Which research paradigm is most concerned about generalizing its findings? 
a) quantitative research b) qualitative research c) mixed-methods research
d) all of the above e) none of the above
Answer: A

27. A variable that is presumed to cause a change in another variable is called:

a) an intervening variable b) a dependent variable c) an independent variable
d) a numerical variable e) none of the above
Answer: C

28. What do we call data that are used for a new study but which were collected by an earlier researcher for a
different set of research questions?
a) secondary data b) field notes c) qualitative data d) primary data
Answer: A

29. Qualitative research is used in all the following circumstances, EXCEPT:

a) It is based on a collection of non-numerical data such as words and pictures
b) It often uses small samples
c) It uses the inductive method
d) It is typically used when a great deal is already known about the topic of interest
Answer: D
30. A deductive theory is one that:
a) allows theory to emerge out of the data
b) involves testing an explicitly defined hypothesis
c) allows for findings to feed back into the stock of knowledge
d) uses qualitative methods whenever possible
Answer: B

31. Which of the following is not a type of research question?

a) predicting an outcome b) evaluating a phenomenon
c) developing good practice d) a hypothesis
Answer: D

32. How can you tell if your research questions are really good? If they…..
a) are linked together to help you construct a coherent argument
b) force you to narrow the scope of your research
c) guide your literature search d) all of the above
Answer: D

33. Which form of reasoning is the process of drawing a specific conclusion from a set of premises?
a) rationalism b) deductive reasoning c) inductive reasoning
d) probabilistic e) all of the above
Answer: B

34. What are the five key objectives of science?

a) prediction, summary, conclusion, explanation, description
b) influence, prediction, questions, exploration, answers
c) exploration, description, explanation, prediction, influence
d) questions, answers, prediction, explanation, summary
Answer: C

35. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a good theory or explanation?

a) it is testable b) it is general enough to apply to more than one place, situation, or person
c) it is parsimonious d) all of the above are characteristics of good theories
Answer: D

36. Which “scientific method” follows these steps: 1) observation/data, 2) patterns, 3) theory?
a) inductive b) deductive c) imductive d) top down
Answer: A

37. Which scientific method focuses on testing hypotheses developed from theories?
a) deductive method b) inductive method c) hypothesis method
d) pattern method e) all of the above
Answer: A

38. Which scientific method often focuses on generating new hypotheses and theories?
a) deductive method b) inductive method c) hypothesis method
d) pattern method e) all of the above
Answer: B
39. Which of the following statements is true of a theory?
a) it most simply means “explanation” b) it answers the “how” and “why” questions
c) it can be a well developed explanatory system d) all of the above are correct
Answer: D

40. Which research paradigm is least concerned about generalizing its findings?
a) quantitative research b) qualitative research c) mixed research
d) all of the above e) none of the above
Answer: B

41. Which of the following best describes quantitative research?

a) the collection of nonnumerical data b) an attempt to confirm the researcher’s hypotheses
c) research that is exploratory d) research that attempts to generate a new theory
Answer: B

42. A condition or characteristic that can take on different values or categories is called ___.
a) a constant b) a variable c) a cause-and-effect relationship d) a descriptive relationship
Answer: B

43. A variable that is presumed to cause a change in another variable is called a(n):
a) categorical variable b) dependent variable c) independent variable
d) intervening variable e) none of the above
Answer: C

44. Qualitative research is often exploratory and has all of the following characteristics except:
a) it is typically used when a great deal is already known about the topic of interest
b) it relies on the collection of nonnumerical data such as words and pictures
c) it is used to generate hypotheses and develop theory about phenomena in the world
d) it uses the inductive scientific method
Answer: A

45. Which of the following includes examples of quantitative variables?

a) age, temperature, income, height b) grade point average, anxiety level, reading performance
c) gender, religion, ethnic group d) both a and b
Answer: D

46. A good qualitative problem statement:

a) defines the independent and dependent variables b) conveys a sense of emerging design
c) specifies a research hypothesis to be tested
d) specifies the relationship between variables that the researcher expects to find
Answer: B

47. The “tool” function of theory is to:

a) summarize existing knowledge b) summarize existing hypotheses
c) suggest new relationships and make new predictions d) suggest new theories
Answer: C
 
48. The statement of purpose in a research study should:
a) identify the design of the study b) identify the intent or objective of the study
c) specify the type of people to be used in the study d) describe the study
Answer: B

49. Which of the following orders is the recommended in the flowchart of the development of a research idea?
a) research topic, research problem, research purpose, research question, hypothesis
b) research topic, research purpose, research problem, research question, hypothesis
c) research topic, research problem, research purpose, research question, hypothesis
d) research topic, hypothesis, research problem, research question, research purpose
Answer: C

50. One step that is not included in planning a research study is:
a) identifying a researchable problem b) a review of current research
c) statement of the research question d) conducting a meta-analysis of the research
e) developing a research plan
Answer: D

51. Sources of researchable problems can include:

a) researchers’ own experiences as educators b) practical issues that require solutions
c) theory and past research d) all of the above
Answer: D

52. Which of the following is a function of theory?

a) integrating and summarizing current knowledge b) making predictions
c) explaining phenomena d) all of the above are important functions of theory
Answer: D

53. The feasibility of a research study should be considered in light of:

a) cost and time required to conduct the study b) skills required of the researcher
c) potential ethical concerns d) all of the above
Answer: D

54. Research hypotheses are ______.

a) formulated prior to a review of the literature b) statements of predicted relationships between variables
c) stated such that they can be confirmed or refuted d) b and c
Answer: D

55. Hypotheses in qualitative research studies usually _____.

a) are very specific and stated prior to beginning the study
b) are often generated as the data are collected, interpreted, and analyzed
c) are never used d) are always stated after the research study has been completed
Answer: B

56. A research plan _____.

a) should be detailed b) should be given to others for review and comments
c) sets out the rationale for a research study d) all of the above
Answer: D

57. Which of the following is not a source of research ideas?

a) everyday life b) practical issues c) past research
d) theory e) all of the above are sources of research ideas
Answer: E
58. Secondary/existing data may include which of the following?
a) official documents b) personal documents c) archived research data
d) all of the above e) none of the above
Answer: D

59. Which of the following terms best describes data that were originally collected at an earlier time by a
different person for a different purpose?
a) primary data b) secondary data c) experimental data d) field notes
Answer: B

60. Why might secondary analysis be a particularly useful method for students?
a) it is relatively easy to do b) it only requires a half-hearted effort
c) it saves time and money d) it does not require any knowledge of statistics
Answer: C

61. The term "secondary analysis" refers to the technique of:

a) conducting a study of seconds, minutes and other measures of time.
b) analysing your own data in two different ways.
c) analysing existing data that have been collected by another person or organization.
d) working part time on a project alongside other responsibilities.
Answer: C

62. Which of the following is not a disadvantage of using secondary analysis?

a) the researcher's lack of familiarity with the data.
b) it is a relatively expensive and time consuming process.
c) hierarchical datasets can be very confusing.
d) the researcher has no control over the quality of the data.
Answer: B

63. Why do qualitative researchers like to give detailed descriptions of social settings?
a) to provide a contextual understanding of social behaviour.
b) because once they have left the field, it is difficult to remember what happened.
c) so that they can compare their observations as a test of reliability.
d) because they do not believe in going beyond the level of description.
Answer: A

64. Which of the following best describes quantitative research?

a) the collection of nonnumerical data b) an attempt to confirm the researcher’s hypotheses
c) research that is exploratory d) research that attempts to generate a new theory
Answer: B

65. Which of the following does not apply to qualitative research?

a) data are often words and pictures b) uses the inductive scientific method
c) ends with a statistical report d) involves direct and personal contact with participants
Answer: C

66. Research is:

a) a purposeful, systematic activity b) primarily conducted for purely academic purposes
c) primarily conducted to answer questions about practical issues
d) a random, unplanned process of discovery
Answer: A

67. Which of the following is not an appropriate source for academic research?
a) an online encyclopaedia b) a peer reviewed journal article
c) a government-based research organisation database d) a textbook
Answer: A

68. Research methodology' refers to:

a) the sampling technique b) the tools that the researcher uses
c) the chain of association between the research question and the research design
d) qualitative methods
Answer: C

69. The two main styles of research are:

a) data collection and data coding b) surveys and questionnaires
c) sampling and recording d) qualitative and quantitative
Answer: D

70. Qualitative research is:

a) not as rigorous as quantitative research
b) primarily concerned with the collection and analysis of numerical data
c) primarily concerned with in-depth exploration of phenomena
d) primarily concerned with the quality of the research
Answer: C

71. Quantitative research involves:

a) interviewing people to find out their deeply held views about issues
b) collecting data in numerical form
c) more rigour than qualitative research
d) interviewing every member of the target population
Answer: B

72. Jargon is:

a) specialised language and is always inappropriate
b) technical language used within a field and therefore has a place in research reports
c) specialised language and may be appropriate when used between peers but not with people outside the field
d) specialised language and is never appropriate in reports
Answer: C

73. Which words best describe the writing style that should be used in research reports?
a) objective and detached b) personal and critical
c) emotive and judgmental d) subjective and detached
Answer: A

74. Why is it important to identify the primary audience for the research report?
a) in order to adapt the findings to their liking b) in order to bypass undesirable readers
c) so that the writer can adapt the writing to meet their needs (i.e. in terms of language and level of expertise)
d) in order to frame the discussion in such a way as to gain most approval for the findings
Answer: C

75. Which ONE is a disadvantage of secondary data?

a) inexpensive b) fast to obtain c) already exist d) addresses a fresh topic
Answer: D

76. Which ONE is an advantage of secondary data?

a) expensive b) may be outdated c) already exist d) may not be accurate
Answer: C

77. How can you tell if your research questions are really good?
a) if they guide your literature search
b) if they are linked together to help you construct a coherent argument
c) if they force you to narrow the scope of your research d) all of the above
Answer: D

78. Idea generation by two or more people thinking as freely as possible is formally known as:
a) forced relationships b) brainstorming c) the learning curve d) gap analysis
Answer: B

79. A student plans a research project; it is called “A description of IBM”. On the limited information we have (the
title), which ONE of these best applies to the idea?
a) it is narrow b) it has an acceptable purpose c) it has an acceptable method d) it is wide
Answer: D

80. Research goes through distinct phases. Which one is in the WRONG position?
a) report b) critically review literature
c) formulate your research question d) determine information gathering techniques
Answer: A

81. --------------- tend to be generally expressed; a -----------is a specific prediction about what we will find.
a) hypotheses; research question b) research questions; hypothesis
c) null hypotheses; research question d) none of the above
Answer: B

82. Research is
a) searching again and again b) finding solution to any problem
c) working in a scientific way to search for truth of any problem d) none of the above
Answer: C
 
83. Which of the following is the first step in starting the research process?
a) searching sources of information to locate problem b) survey of related literature
c) identification of problem d) searching for solutions to the problem
Answer: C

84. The first step in the research process is the:

 
a) development of the research plan b) survey of stakeholders to determine if problems exist
c) collection of the available sources for needed information
d) definition of the problem and research objectives
Answer: D

85. Which of the following is not an example of research?

a) an experiment in product taste preferences
b) a statistical analysis of errors in the recording of consumer complaints
c) a test of the population ecology theory in the newspaper market
d) a simulation of the inventory flows in a firm
e) a decision to change the firm's method of accounting
Answer: E

86. Research involves:

a) the identification of quality information, not its computerized processing
b) an application of the scientific methods of information collection and analysis
c) creating the architecture for data warehousing
d) the use of complex models rather than simpler quantitative methods
Answer: B

87. Which of the following are concepts?

a) shoes b) income c) occupation d) all of the above
Answer: D

88. What is the most correct statement?

a) most of us seldom use theories
b) constructs are used in explanatory hypotheses
c) in induction we observe facts and draw conclusions from them
d) while operational definitions are very useful, there are many good research studies that do not use them
Answer: C

89. Which of the following is not stated as a hypothesis?

a) price increases lead to major changes in demand
b) the power of ESP is greater in females than in males
c) British perceive Japanese products as superior to Korean products d) none of the above
Answer: A

90. One of the terms given below is defined as “a bundle of meanings or characteristics associated with certain
events, objects, conditions, situations, and the like
a)  construct b)    definition c)   concept d)      variable
Answer: C

91. Secondary data can almost always be obtained more quickly and at a lower cost than __________data.
a)    tertiary b)   collective c)   research d)    primary
Answer: D

92. The purpose of __________________ research is to help in the process of developing a clear and precise
statement of the research problem rather than in providing a definitive answer.
a)    Marketing b)    Causal c)    Exploratory d)    Descriptive
Answer: C

93. A systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of natural phenomena guided by theory and
hypothesis is called _____________
a) Applied Research b) Basic Research c) Scientific Research d) None Of The Above
Answer: C

94. Which one of the following is closest to academic style:

a) a novel b) a newspaper article c) an advertisement
d) a letter from the bank e) none of the above
Answer: D

95. The best way to start an academic text is

a) with a question b) with some new or surprising information
c) with some background details d) with the topic of the text
Answer: D

96. The best way to keep your reader’s attention in an academic text is
a) to write short sentences b) to give familiar information first and then new information
c) to be friendly, e.g. as in an email
d) to ask questions first and then give the answers, e.g. as in a conversation
Answer: B

97. The best order for ideas in an academic paragraph is

a) from a general idea of the main point to specific details
b) from specific details to a general idea of the main point
c) the order in which I think of the ideas when I am writing
d) no particular order as this does not matter
Answer: A

98. The best way to start a sentence in an academic text is

a) with some information the reader knows already b) with some background details
c) with some new or surprising information
d) with a person or personal pronoun, e.g. we can see
Answer: A

99. The best kinds of words to use in academic writing are

a) unusual words that a reader will notice and admire
b) simple words, such as big and important, which are easy to understand
c) words such as reason or similarity which show relationships between ideas
d) special technical words which are specific to the subject I am studying
Answer: C

100. The biggest disadvantage of secondary data is:

a) they are not meeting the specific needs of the particular situation or setting
b) that it is generally more expensive to collect secondary data than primary data
c) that they are generally qualitative in nature d) that they cannot be used for forecasting purposes
Answer: A

101. Which of the following is the most suitable when there is little to no insight in a certain problem or when there
is no information available on how similar problems or research issues have been solved in the past?
a) descriptive research b) causal research c) exploratory research d) experimental research
Answer: C

102. The primary function of the business research is to…….:

a) provide information to assist managers in making decisions b) identify personal needs
c) provide solution to a business problem d) attempt to predict future behavior
Answer: A

103. When deciding whether business research should be conducted, each of the following factors is a major
consideration except:
a) time constraint b) availability of company employees who are survey experts
c) availability of the data d) value of business research information in relation to its costs
Answer: B

104. Research designs may be categorized according to their fundamental objective. Which of the following are
research design categories?
a) scientific, exploratory and descriptive b) descriptive, research and experimental
c) descriptive, causal and exploratory d) causal, experimental and scientific
Answer: C

105. The main goal of causal research is ….:

a) to directly seek the solution to a particular, pragmatic problem
b) to identify cause – and – effect relationship between variables
c) to clarify the nature of problems
d) to provide a conclusive statement about characteristics of a particular population or phenomenon
Answer: B

106. …………… is an unproven proposition that tentatively explain certain phenomena.

a) scientific method b) hypothesis c) concept d) constructs
Answer: B

107. Which of the following is a common problem with secondary research data?
a)outdated information b) different definition of terms c) different unit of measurement
d) all of the above e) none of the above
Answer: D

108.Which of the following is not a research question:

a) What are the reasons of sales decline? b) What are the drivers of customer satisfaction?
c) What are the relations between new designs and customer satisfaction?
d) Decline in the purchasing power of the clients decreases the total sales of the industry.
Answer: D

109. A hypothesis is:

a) a statement of the aims of an investigation b) the methodical evaluation of research evidence
c) a statement which serves as the basis for further investigation d) all of these
Answer: C

110. What purpose do clearly stated aims serve?

a) aims state clearly in detail how research will be done and justify why research is being carried out
b) aims state clearly what the research intends to contribute and details how the research will be done
c) aims state clearly how the research will be done and what conclusions are expected
d) aims state clearly what the research intends to contribute and justifies the research being carried out
Answer: D

111. Deciding what data is best for your research analysis depends upon which of the following?
a) the nature of the participants b) the research question
c) the researcher's personal preferences d) all of these
Answer: D

112. The purpose of research is:

a) to produce work of publishable quality b) that the empirical work should be testing a theory
c) to extend the conceptual understanding of a topic d) primarily to get more data
Answer: C

113. Why might secondary analysis be a particularly useful method for students?
a) it is relatively easy to do b) it only requires a half-hearted effort
c) it saves time and money d) it does not require any knowledge of statistics
Answer: C

114. Which of the following is not a disadvantage of using secondary analysis?

a) the researcher's lack of familiarity with the data
b) it is a relatively expensive and time consuming process
c) hierarchical datasets can be very confusing
d) the researcher has no control over the quality of the data
Answer: B

115. Having no research questions or poorly formulated research questions will lead to poor research because
a) I will only consider epistemological queries
b) marks are allocated for having a research question and without them my project will be penalized
c) I won't know what data analysis method to use
d) the research is likely to be unfocused and I am likely to be unsure what data to collect
Answer: D

116. Which of the following factors should not influence the decision when one is selecting a topic or problem for
research?
a) Will solution of the problem advance knowledge in my field?
b) Will I be able to prove that my previously held beliefs are true?
c) Will the study lead to the development of other investigations?
d) Is the topic or problem amenable to research?
Answer: B
117. Application of scientific method in finding for truth about business phenomenon is called
a) business research b) hypothesis c) conclusion d) estimation
Answer: A

118. Research that is conducted without having a specific decision in mind is called
a) basic business research b) applied business research
c) evaluation research d) performance monitoring research
Answer: A

119. Determination of need for research lies on

a) time constraints b) the availability of data c) nature of the decision
d) all of the above e) none of the above
Answer: D

120. Observable cues that serve as an indication of a problem because they are caused by that problem are known
as
a) estimation b) hypothesis c) symptoms d) conclusion
Answer: C

121. Research that can be used to check validity of a general business theory is known as
a) evaluation research b) performance monitoring research
c) basic business research d) applied business research
Answer: C

122. Data that is structured to support decision making or an explained relationship between two facts is called
a) information b) data c) business intelligence d) research
Answer: A

123. Simple facts or recorded measures of certain things or events are known as:
a) information b) data c) business intelligence d) research
Answer: B

124. Goals to be achieved by conducting research are termed as:

a) research objectives b) analytical objectives c) upward objectives d) absolute objectives
Answer: A

125. Research that is conducted to clarify ambiguous scenarios or discover ideas that are business opportunities is
known as
a) descriptive research b) exploratory research c) rigid research d) analytical research
Answer: B

126. Essence of both basic and applied research lies in

a) market orientation b) scientific method c) performance monitoring research d) costing methods
Answer: B

127. Research that is conducted to address a specific business decision for a specific organization is called
b) evaluation research b) performance monitoring research
c) basic business research d) applied business research
Answer: D

128. Way through which researchers go about using knowledge and evidence to reach their set conclusions about
real world is called:
a) business research b) hypothesis c) estimation d) scientific method
Answer: D

129. Research that allows causal interruption to be happen and it seeks to identify cause and effect relationship is
termed as:
a) descriptive research b) exploratory research c) causal research
d) basic business research e) applied business research
Answer: C

130. Research of people, objects, firms or groups to paint a picture of a given situation is known as:
a) descriptive research b) exploratory research c) causal research
d) basic business research e) applied business research
Answer: A

131. Term ‘research’ means

a) to use previous research b) to search again c) to stop searching d) to analyze only
Answer: B

132. A good research should be…….:

a) systematic b) logical c) empirical d) all of the above
Answer: D

133. Research:
a) means search for knowledge b) aims at discovering the truth
c) leads to another research d) all of the above
Answer: D

134. A research study was carried out to see whether people notice web addresses on television adverts. This is an
example of:
a) descriptive research b) exploratory research c) causal research
d) basic business research e) applied business research
Answer: D

135. A research study was carried out to see how many people bought a product using the freephone number and
how many using a paid-for phone call. This is an example of:
a) descriptive research b) exploratory research c) causal research
d) basic business research e) applied business research
Answer: E

136.  In exploratory research one does all of the following, EXCEPT:

a) become familiar with the basic facts, people and concerns involved
b) generate many ideas and develop tentative hypotheses
c) determine the feasibility of doing additional research d) test a theory or explanation
Answer: D

137. Which best summarizes the main goal of descriptive research?

a) advance knowledge about an underlying process or complete a theory
b) develop a detailed picture of a situation or issue
c) extend a theory or principle into new areas or issues
d) provide evidence to support or refute an explanation
Answer: B

138. Using inductive methods, researchers:

a) develop a hypothesis that can test a theory
b) decide how to measure changes in variables based upon the kinds of variables they want to operationalize
c) analyze their observations to confirm, reject, or develop a theory
d) determine where to find observations to get measurements for their variables
Answer: C

139. When you decide whether or not the data supports the original hypothesis, you are
a) forming a hypothesis b) making observations c) asking questions d) drawing conclusions
Answer: D

140. What is the correct order of the steps in the scientific method.
a) ask a question, analyze results, make a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, draw conclusions, communicate results.
b) make a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, analyze the results, ask a question, draw conclusions, communicate
results.
c) ask a question, make a hypothesis, test hypothesis, draw conclusions, analyze results, communicate results.
d) ask questions, make a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, analyze results, draw conclusions, communicate results.
Answer: D
II. True or false:
1. Students often worry that their research topic will be insufficiently theoretical. False
2. In most studies objectives are best set after deciding on methodology. False
3. The research objective will start with the word TO and a verb. Common verbs in research objectives are: to
identify; to establish; to determine; and to develop. True
4. It is a good idea to generate numerous ideas and develop them before choosing one in particular. True
5. It is unacceptable to take a previous study and repeat some aspects. False
6. A hypothesis is a proposition. True
7. Research objectives will start with one of the words: what, why and how. False
8. It is generally accepted that 'research objectives require more rigorous thinking which derives from the use of
more formal language'. True
9. An academic study may be considered valid if the only literature selected is newspaper material. False
10.The technique of brainstorming can be used to generate and refine research ideas. True
11.Theory may be broadly defined as an explanation of the relationship between two or more concepts or variables.
False
12.Management research not only needs to provide findings that advance knowledge and understanding, it also
needs to address business issues and practical managerial problems. True
13.It is essential that you evaluate the quality of internet resources because information obtained via the internet
ranges from very poor to very good. True
14.Research is something that people undertake in order to find out things in a systematic way, thereby increasing
their knowledge. True
15.Research is a multi-stage process and will involve both reflecting on and revising stages already undertaken and
forward planning.  True
16.Research is just collecting facts or information with no clear purpose. False
17.You will probably revisit each stage of the research process more than once. True
18.Research objectives will start with one of the words: what, why and how. False
19.The technique of brainstorming can be used to generate and refine research ideas. True
20.Secondary data have been selected for a specific purpose, which is probably different from the aim of the
current research.  True
21.Secondary data are used principally in both descriptive and explanatory research. True
22.Sources such as voice and video recordings, pictures, drawings, films and television programmes, may not be
called secondary data. False
23.In using secondary data we do not need to consider who was selected and how they were selected; we are only
interested in the results. False
24.Secondary data will never give information that can be used as it stands. True
25.A disadvantage of secondary data is that it tends to be intrusive. False
26.A disadvantage of secondary data is that it is produced for a reason that does not match your need.
True
27.Secondary data that fails to provide you with the information that you need to answer your research question(s)
or meet your objectives will result in invalid answers. True
28.At least with published secondary data you can always trust the source.  False
29.Most research projects require some combination of secondary and primary data to answer your research
question(s) and to meet your objectives. True
30.Planning and organising your writing are less important than the expression of ideas. False
31.Only a good vocabulary is important in producing a formal academic style in your written work. False
32.You may have to write several drafts before a writing assignment is ready to submit. True
33.Primary data are generally available more quickly and at a lower cost than secondary data. False
Identify from the following sentences:

Decline in the purchasing power of the clients decreases the total sales of the industry.
What are the reasons of sales decline?
Our clients began to percieve our products as low quality but still expensive.
Individual buyers; customer satisfaction, re-buying intention, product characteristics, customers’ demographics
Old fashioned products are percieved by the young customers as low quality.
What are the relations between new designs and customer satisfaction?
New designs increase customer satisfaction.
Our clients are complaining, they seem unhappy and we may loose them.
To identify the ways to convince our clients about our products’ quality.
What are the drivers of customer satisfaction?

1. The symptom: Our clients are complaining, they seem unhappy and we may loose them.
2. The true problem: Our clients began to percieve our products as low quality but still expensive.
3. Research objective: To identify the ways to convince our clients about our products’ quality.
4. Unit of analysis: Individual buyers
5. Variables: customer satisfaction, re-buying intention, product characteristics, customers’
demographics
6. Research questions: What are the reasons of sales decline?
What are the drivers of customer satisfaction?
What are the relations between new designs and customer satisfaction?

7. Research hypothesis: Decline in the purchasing power of the clients decreases the total sales of the
industry.
New designs increase customer satisfaction.
Old fashioned products are percieved by the young customers as low quality.