Professional Documents
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Chapter 08
Observation Studies
8-1
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
4. Observation is an appropriate method for data collection in all of the following conditions
except _____.
A. purpose must be disguised
B. natural setting is necessary
C. anonymity is desired
D. memory decay is a factor
E. behavioral data is needed
5. Jason is developing a research design for a study of wine drinkers. The target population is
widely dispersed. Jason needs to collect data on past consumption behavior and intentions for
future behavior. Which type of data collection method is most appropriate for Jason's
project?
A. Communication
B. Observation
C. Monitoring
D. Experimental
E. Causal
6. Scott's Lawn Care has hired Henry Associates to find out whether home improvement
warehouse stores communicate the benefits of various brands of lawn care products
differently than smaller stores. Henry Associates needs to know what is communicated to
consumers in the actual settings of the stores and wants to ensure that the message isn't
filtered. Only behavioral data is required. Which type of data collection method is most
appropriate in this situation?
A. Communication
B. Observation
C. Surveys
D. Experimental
E. Causal
8-2
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
8-3
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
12. All of the following are reasons why researchers use machines to record behaviors except
_____.
A. human eye cannot record behavior that happens rapidly
B. humans cannot record and observe simultaneously
C. machines can be disguised easily
D. design may require more than one person to be observed simultaneously
E. trained human observers are expensive
13. Which of the following is true of the video camera and audio recorder as mechanical
devices for the recording of behaviors?
A. They can not be used in natural settings
B. They can generate descriptions of behaviors, but not counts or frequencies of behaviors
C. They can record nonbehavioral observations
D. They are used extensively in retail customer tracking studies
E. They are inferior to studies involving extralinguistic analysis
8-4
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
14. A lie detector is actually a(n) _____ that measures electrical activity in the participant's
skin.
A. galvanometer
B. video camera
C. eye camera
D. pupilometer
E. people meter
16. When Katie Couric of the Today Show interviews guests on the show, she tends to
interrupt their answers. Which dimension of extralinguistic activity is reflected in her
behavior?
A. Vocal
B. Temporal
C. Interaction
D. Verbal stylistic
E. Spatial
17. In one episode of the television show, Friends, Chandler and Ross make fun of each
other's pronunciation peculiarities and characteristic expressions. Ross tends to over-enunciate
words while Chandler makes fun of others by asking a question like "Could you BE anymore
annoying?" Which dimension of extralinguistic activity is being addressed in this example?
A. vocal
B. Temporal
C. Interaction
D. Verbal stylistic
E. Spatial
8-5
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
18. The recording of how humans physically relate to one another is called _____
observation.
A. nonverbal
B. linguistic
C. spatial
D. mechanical/ digital
E. temporal
20. The study of how people organize the territory around them and maintain discrete
distances between themselves and others is known as _____.
A. extralinguistics
B. feng shui
C. kinesics
D. proxemics
E. physical condition observation
21. All of the following are advantages of observation as a data collection method except
_____.
A. optimizing the naturalness of the setting
B. reducing obtrusiveness
C. avoiding participant filtering
D. quantifying data
E. securing contextual information
8-6
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
22. Recording the radio station presets on cars brought into car repair shops is an example of
_____.
A. linguistic observation
B. trace evidence
C. nonverbal behavior
D. spatial behavior
E. temporal behavior
24. Which of the following questions cannot be answered using the observational method?
A. What
B. Where
C. Who
D. How
E. Why
25. The most reliable form of observation is _____ observation based on overt action or
surface indicators.
A. inferential
B. factual
C. spatial
D. structured
E. trace
8-7
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
26. Henry Associates is observing shoppers in a retail store. The observers record surface
events like smiling behavior by customers and conclude that smiling behavior is reflective of
satisfaction with the shopping event. This is an example of _____ observation.
A. inferential
B. factual
C. spatial
D. structured
E. trace
27. Which of the following attributes can be identified using factual observation?
A. Salesperson credibility
B. Customer interest
C. Number of customer objections
D. Salesperson enthusiasm
E. Attitude toward the brand
28. Which of the following attributes must be identified using inferential observation?
A. Selling points presented
B. Length of sales meeting
C. Time and day of week
D. Salesperson credibility
E. Customer purchase decision
8-8
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
29. The measurement instrument for recording data in an observation study is called a(n)
_____.
A. screener
B. observation checklist
C. moderator's guide
D. interview guide
E. pupilometer
30. _____ observation occurs when the observer is physically present, and personally
monitors and records the behavior of the participant.
A. Indirect
B. Direct
C. Concealed
D. Disguised
E. Spatial
31. Observers may be physically involved in the participant's social setting and interact with
the participant. This form of observation is known as _____ observation.
A. concealment
B. deceptive
C. participant
D. structured
E. direct
8-9
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
32. Observation checklists should have all of the following characteristics except _____.
A. precisely defined categories of behaviors
B. mutually exclusive categories
C. exhaustive categories
D. conditions for observation
E. open-ended questions
33. The use of videotaping, mirrored windows, and props are most feasible in _____ studies.
A. structured observation
B. unstructured observation
C. natural
D. laboratory
E. field
34. Maria is conducting research to better understand how consumers respond to the
atmosphere and environment in restaurants. She visits several restaurant locations and
observes characteristics of the environment and all of the behaviors of the patrons. Which
classification best fits Maria's observation study?
A. Unstructured/ natural
B. Unstructured/laboratory
C. Structured/ natural
D. Structured/ laboratory
E. Direct/ participant
8-10
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
35. Maria is conducting research to better understand how consumers respond to the
atmospherics and environmental cues in restaurants. She develops three different stages to
represent the restaurant environments that should be evaluated. Participants are invited to
dinner in one of the three "restaurants" and their behaviors are videotaped. Which
classification best fits Maria's observation study?
A. Unstructured/ natural
B. Unstructured/laboratory
C. Structured/ natural
D. Structured/ laboratory
E. Direct/ participant
36. Jason is conducting research to better understand how consumers respond to the
atmosphere and environment in restaurants. He visits several restaurant locations and uses a
checklist to record the behaviors he observes in each restaurant. Which classification best fits
Jason's observation study?
A. Unstructured/ natural
B. Unstructured/laboratory
C. Structured/ natural
D. Structured/ laboratory
E. Direct/ participant
37. Which of the following qualifications is desirable for individuals working as observers in
observation studies?
A. Concentration
B. Unobtrusive
C. Experienced
D. Detail-oriented
E. All of the above
38. A condition called the _____ creates errors when prior observations influence perceptions
of current observations.
A. observer drift
B. groupthink
C. devil's advocate
D. halo effect
E. self-serving bias
8-11
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
39. Jane took on a second-shift as observer in the observation study of restaurant patrons. As
she becomes fatigued, _____ is more likely to occur.
A. observer drift
B. groupthink
C. devil's advocate
D. halo effect
E. self-serving bias
40. Which term below refers to the error caused by decay in consistency and accuracy on
recorded observations over time?
A. Observer drift
B. Groupthink
C. Devil's advocate
D. Halo effect
E. Self-serving bias
41. The ability for an observer to extract the most from an observation study is most
associated with the observer's level or degree of _____.
A. concentration
B. detail-orientation
C. experience
D. distinctiveness
E. enthusiasm
8-12
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
42. The ability for an observer to remember the key aspects of an experience is most
associated with the observer's level or degree of _____.
A. concentration
B. detail-orientation
C. experience
D. distinctiveness
E. enthusiasm
43. The ability for an observer to function in a setting with many distractions is most
associated with the observer's level or degree of _____.
A. concentration
B. detail-orientation
C. experience
D. distinctiveness
E. enthusiasm
44. The occurrence of errors caused by a halo effect can sometimes be minimized by choosing
observers with a low degree of _____.
A. concentration
B. detail-orientation
C. experience
D. distinctiveness
E. enthusiasm
45. What type of sampling is used to select certain behavioral acts or conditions to record that
answer the investigative questions?
A. Time sampling
B. Quota sampling
C. Convenience sampling
D. Event sampling
E. Snowball sampling
8-13
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
46. Ebony will observe the behaviors of customers in a chain of jewelry stores. Before
beginning the observation studies, Ebony decides to observe behaviors in the stores on
Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and on Saturdays between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. This
selection of time points to observe and record behavior is known as _____.
A. time sampling
B. quota sampling
C. convenience sampling
D. event sampling
E. snowball sampling
47. The error that occurs when participants alter their true behavior due to the presence of the
observer is known as _____.
A. observer drift
B. halo effect
C. social desirability responding
D. self-serving bias
E. reactivity response
48. At the close of business on Black Friday, Macy's store employees examined product
displays throughout the store looking for disrupted displays and displays that remained
undisturbed. The information is used to determine what items to put on sale early in the
holiday shopping season. This is an example of using _____.
A. nonverbal observation
B. physical condition analysis
C. activity analysis
D. record analysis
E. data mining
8-14
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
49. The use of _____ is illustrated by the frequency of replacement of carpet in front of
museum exhibits as an indicator of exhibit popularity.
A. process analysis
B. data mining
C. erosion measures
D. record analysis
E. accretion measures
50. An interesting application of _____ compared self-reported beer consumption with the
amount of discarded beer containers in the trash.
A. process analysis
B. data mining
C. erosion measures
D. record analysis
E. accretion measures
51. Erosion measures and accretion measures are both types of _____.
A. process analysis
B. data mining
C. reactive measures
D. record analysis
E. unobtrusive measures
8-15
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
Essay Questions
52. Research designs are classified as communication or observation by the approach used to
gather primary data. Identify five conditions under which observation is an appropriate
method for data collection.
53. What are the four dimensions of extralinguistic activity that can be observed? Explain the
behaviors common to each dimension.
54. Discuss the strengths and limitations of observation as a data collection method.
55. What characteristics are important to consider when selecting individuals to work as
observers in an observation research study?
8-16
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
Level: easy
Level: easy
8-17
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
Level: moderate
4. Observation is an appropriate method for data collection in all of the following conditions
except _____.
A. purpose must be disguised
B. natural setting is necessary
C. anonymity is desired
D. memory decay is a factor
E. behavioral data is needed
Level: moderate
5. Jason is developing a research design for a study of wine drinkers. The target population is
widely dispersed. Jason needs to collect data on past consumption behavior and intentions for
future behavior. Which type of data collection method is most appropriate for Jason's
project?
A. Communication
B. Observation
C. Monitoring
D. Experimental
E. Causal
Level: moderate
8-18
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
6. Scott's Lawn Care has hired Henry Associates to find out whether home improvement
warehouse stores communicate the benefits of various brands of lawn care products
differently than smaller stores. Henry Associates needs to know what is communicated to
consumers in the actual settings of the stores and wants to ensure that the message isn't
filtered. Only behavioral data is required. Which type of data collection method is most
appropriate in this situation?
A. Communication
B. Observation
C. Surveys
D. Experimental
E. Causal
Level: moderate
Level: easy
Level: easy
8-19
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
Level: moderate
Level: easy
Level: moderate
8-20
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
12. All of the following are reasons why researchers use machines to record behaviors except
_____.
A. human eye cannot record behavior that happens rapidly
B. humans cannot record and observe simultaneously
C. machines can be disguised easily
D. design may require more than one person to be observed simultaneously
E. trained human observers are expensive
Level: moderate
13. Which of the following is true of the video camera and audio recorder as mechanical
devices for the recording of behaviors?
A. They can not be used in natural settings
B. They can generate descriptions of behaviors, but not counts or frequencies of behaviors
C. They can record nonbehavioral observations
D. They are used extensively in retail customer tracking studies
E. They are inferior to studies involving extralinguistic analysis
Level: moderate
14. A lie detector is actually a(n) _____ that measures electrical activity in the participant's
skin.
A. galvanometer
B. video camera
C. eye camera
D. pupilometer
E. people meter
Level: easy
8-21
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
Level: easy
16. When Katie Couric of the Today Show interviews guests on the show, she tends to
interrupt their answers. Which dimension of extralinguistic activity is reflected in her
behavior?
A. Vocal
B. Temporal
C. Interaction
D. Verbal stylistic
E. Spatial
Level: moderate
17. In one episode of the television show, Friends, Chandler and Ross make fun of each
other's pronunciation peculiarities and characteristic expressions. Ross tends to over-enunciate
words while Chandler makes fun of others by asking a question like "Could you BE anymore
annoying?" Which dimension of extralinguistic activity is being addressed in this example?
A. vocal
B. Temporal
C. Interaction
D. Verbal stylistic
E. Spatial
Level: moderate
8-22
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
18. The recording of how humans physically relate to one another is called _____
observation.
A. nonverbal
B. linguistic
C. spatial
D. mechanical/ digital
E. temporal
Level: easy
Level: moderate
20. The study of how people organize the territory around them and maintain discrete
distances between themselves and others is known as _____.
A. extralinguistics
B. feng shui
C. kinesics
D. proxemics
E. physical condition observation
Level: moderate
8-23
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
21. All of the following are advantages of observation as a data collection method except
_____.
A. optimizing the naturalness of the setting
B. reducing obtrusiveness
C. avoiding participant filtering
D. quantifying data
E. securing contextual information
Level: moderate
22. Recording the radio station presets on cars brought into car repair shops is an example of
_____.
A. linguistic observation
B. trace evidence
C. nonverbal behavior
D. spatial behavior
E. temporal behavior
Level: moderate
Level: easy
8-24
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
24. Which of the following questions cannot be answered using the observational method?
A. What
B. Where
C. Who
D. How
E. Why
Level: moderate
25. The most reliable form of observation is _____ observation based on overt action or
surface indicators.
A. inferential
B. factual
C. spatial
D. structured
E. trace
Level: moderate
26. Henry Associates is observing shoppers in a retail store. The observers record surface
events like smiling behavior by customers and conclude that smiling behavior is reflective of
satisfaction with the shopping event. This is an example of _____ observation.
A. inferential
B. factual
C. spatial
D. structured
E. trace
Level: moderate
8-25
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
27. Which of the following attributes can be identified using factual observation?
A. Salesperson credibility
B. Customer interest
C. Number of customer objections
D. Salesperson enthusiasm
E. Attitude toward the brand
Level: moderate
28. Which of the following attributes must be identified using inferential observation?
A. Selling points presented
B. Length of sales meeting
C. Time and day of week
D. Salesperson credibility
E. Customer purchase decision
Level: moderate
29. The measurement instrument for recording data in an observation study is called a(n)
_____.
A. screener
B. observation checklist
C. moderator's guide
D. interview guide
E. pupilometer
Level: easy
8-26
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
30. _____ observation occurs when the observer is physically present, and personally
monitors and records the behavior of the participant.
A. Indirect
B. Direct
C. Concealed
D. Disguised
E. Spatial
Level: easy
31. Observers may be physically involved in the participant's social setting and interact with
the participant. This form of observation is known as _____ observation.
A. concealment
B. deceptive
C. participant
D. structured
E. direct
Level: easy
32. Observation checklists should have all of the following characteristics except _____.
A. precisely defined categories of behaviors
B. mutually exclusive categories
C. exhaustive categories
D. conditions for observation
E. open-ended questions
Level: easy
8-27
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
33. The use of videotaping, mirrored windows, and props are most feasible in _____ studies.
A. structured observation
B. unstructured observation
C. natural
D. laboratory
E. field
Level: moderate
34. Maria is conducting research to better understand how consumers respond to the
atmosphere and environment in restaurants. She visits several restaurant locations and
observes characteristics of the environment and all of the behaviors of the patrons. Which
classification best fits Maria's observation study?
A. Unstructured/ natural
B. Unstructured/laboratory
C. Structured/ natural
D. Structured/ laboratory
E. Direct/ participant
Level: moderate
35. Maria is conducting research to better understand how consumers respond to the
atmospherics and environmental cues in restaurants. She develops three different stages to
represent the restaurant environments that should be evaluated. Participants are invited to
dinner in one of the three "restaurants" and their behaviors are videotaped. Which
classification best fits Maria's observation study?
A. Unstructured/ natural
B. Unstructured/laboratory
C. Structured/ natural
D. Structured/ laboratory
E. Direct/ participant
Level: moderate
8-28
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
36. Jason is conducting research to better understand how consumers respond to the
atmosphere and environment in restaurants. He visits several restaurant locations and uses a
checklist to record the behaviors he observes in each restaurant. Which classification best fits
Jason's observation study?
A. Unstructured/ natural
B. Unstructured/laboratory
C. Structured/ natural
D. Structured/ laboratory
E. Direct/ participant
Level: moderate
37. Which of the following qualifications is desirable for individuals working as observers in
observation studies?
A. Concentration
B. Unobtrusive
C. Experienced
D. Detail-oriented
E. All of the above
Level: easy
38. A condition called the _____ creates errors when prior observations influence perceptions
of current observations.
A. observer drift
B. groupthink
C. devil's advocate
D. halo effect
E. self-serving bias
Level: moderate
8-29
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
39. Jane took on a second-shift as observer in the observation study of restaurant patrons. As
she becomes fatigued, _____ is more likely to occur.
A. observer drift
B. groupthink
C. devil's advocate
D. halo effect
E. self-serving bias
Level: moderate
40. Which term below refers to the error caused by decay in consistency and accuracy on
recorded observations over time?
A. Observer drift
B. Groupthink
C. Devil's advocate
D. Halo effect
E. Self-serving bias
Level: moderate
41. The ability for an observer to extract the most from an observation study is most
associated with the observer's level or degree of _____.
A. concentration
B. detail-orientation
C. experience
D. distinctiveness
E. enthusiasm
Level: moderate
8-30
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
42. The ability for an observer to remember the key aspects of an experience is most
associated with the observer's level or degree of _____.
A. concentration
B. detail-orientation
C. experience
D. distinctiveness
E. enthusiasm
Level: moderate
43. The ability for an observer to function in a setting with many distractions is most
associated with the observer's level or degree of _____.
A. concentration
B. detail-orientation
C. experience
D. distinctiveness
E. enthusiasm
Level: moderate
44. The occurrence of errors caused by a halo effect can sometimes be minimized by choosing
observers with a low degree of _____.
A. concentration
B. detail-orientation
C. experience
D. distinctiveness
E. enthusiasm
Level: difficult
8-31
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
45. What type of sampling is used to select certain behavioral acts or conditions to record that
answer the investigative questions?
A. Time sampling
B. Quota sampling
C. Convenience sampling
D. Event sampling
E. Snowball sampling
Level: moderate
46. Ebony will observe the behaviors of customers in a chain of jewelry stores. Before
beginning the observation studies, Ebony decides to observe behaviors in the stores on
Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and on Saturdays between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. This
selection of time points to observe and record behavior is known as _____.
A. time sampling
B. quota sampling
C. convenience sampling
D. event sampling
E. snowball sampling
Level: moderate
8-32
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
47. The error that occurs when participants alter their true behavior due to the presence of the
observer is known as _____.
A. observer drift
B. halo effect
C. social desirability responding
D. self-serving bias
E. reactivity response
Level: easy
48. At the close of business on Black Friday, Macy's store employees examined product
displays throughout the store looking for disrupted displays and displays that remained
undisturbed. The information is used to determine what items to put on sale early in the
holiday shopping season. This is an example of using _____.
A. nonverbal observation
B. physical condition analysis
C. activity analysis
D. record analysis
E. data mining
Level: moderate
8-33
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
49. The use of _____ is illustrated by the frequency of replacement of carpet in front of
museum exhibits as an indicator of exhibit popularity.
A. process analysis
B. data mining
C. erosion measures
D. record analysis
E. accretion measures
Level: difficult
50. An interesting application of _____ compared self-reported beer consumption with the
amount of discarded beer containers in the trash.
A. process analysis
B. data mining
C. erosion measures
D. record analysis
E. accretion measures
Level: difficult
8-34
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
51. Erosion measures and accretion measures are both types of _____.
A. process analysis
B. data mining
C. reactive measures
D. record analysis
E. unobtrusive measures
Level: moderate
Essay Questions
52. Research designs are classified as communication or observation by the approach used to
gather primary data. Identify five conditions under which observation is an appropriate
method for data collection.
There are several possible conditions that favor the use of observational methods. These are
presented in Exhibit 9-2. The conditions include the need to disguise the purpose of the
research, to use a natural setting, to record behavioral data rather than attitudinal data.
Observational methods are also favored when the participants are unwilling to participate,
suffer from memory decay, may be subject to message filtering, or are sensitive to the topic
being studied.
Level: moderate
8-35
Chapter 08 - Observation Studies
53. What are the four dimensions of extralinguistic activity that can be observed? Explain the
behaviors common to each dimension.
The four dimensions of extralinguistic activity are 1) vocal, 2) temporal, 3) interaction, and 4)
verbal stylistic. The vocal dimension includes pitch, loudness, and timbre. The temporal
dimension includes the rate of speaking, duration of utterance, and rhythm. The interaction
dimension encompasses the speaker's tendency to interrupt, dominate, and inhibit. The verbal
stylistic dimension includes vocabulary and pronunciation peculiarities, dialect, and
characteristic expressions.
Level: moderate
54. Discuss the strengths and limitations of observation as a data collection method.
There are several strengths to observational research. These include the ability to secure
information that would not be available using experiments or surveys. In addition, observation
avoids the problem of message filtering and forgetting by participants. Environmental context
can be included in the observations. A natural setting is possible which minimizes possible
influences on behavior caused by an artificial setting. Obtrusiveness can also be minimized.
However, observation does have its limitations. Specifically, observation is time consuming
and expensive to complete. It requires trained observers and, in some cases, specialized
equipment. It does not provide quantitative data. Finally, it does not explain why behavior
occurs.
Level: moderate
8-36
Business Research Methods Cooper 12th Edition Test Bank
55. What characteristics are important to consider when selecting individuals to work as
observers in an observation research study?
In selecting observers, four characteristics should be considered. Does the individual have the
ability to function in a setting full of distractions (concentration)? Does the individual have
the ability to remember details of an experience (detail-orientation)? Does the individual have
the ability to blend in with the setting and not be distinctive (unobtrusive)? Does the
individual have the ability to extract the most from an observation study (experience level)?
Level: moderate
8-37