Exam 6: Problem Definition: the Foundation of Business Research

The problem definition stage is the easiest stage of the research process.

In research, anything that varies or changes from one instance to another is called a _____.

What type of variable is "dollar sales volume"?

How does a research proposal differ from the final research report? What is the best way for the researcher to let management know exactly what kind of results will be produced by the research?

_____ refers to basic research usually performed by academic researchers that is financially supported by some public or private institution, as in federal government grants.

Tables in a research proposal which contain fictitious, but realistic, data of the likely outcome of the research study are referred to as ______ tables.

Research questions express the research objectives in terms of questions that can be addressed by research.

A written statement of the research design is called a _____.

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

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

Sales, income, and age are examples of variables.

Anything that changes in value from one instance to another in a research study is called a(n) ______.

What are the three types of gaps that may reflect a problem, indicating that research may be needed to assist a business in making some decision? Give an explanation of each.

Probing is an interview technique that tries to draw deeper and more elaborate explanations from a discussion.

A point estimate is something that does not change.

A(n) _____ occurs when there is a difference between the current conditions and a more preferable set of conditions.

A preliminary study of background information that led up to the current situation is called a(n) ______.

A specific performance criterion upon which a decision can be based is called a(n) _____.

"What is to be measured in this research study?" is a fundamental question to ask at the ______ stage of a research design.

The first step in the problem-definition process is to determine the unit of analysis.