Deck 9: Research: Gathering and Using Information

Question 1

What is an appropriate way to use Wikipedia when researching your speech?

A) to find topic resources
B) to find statistics
C) to find primary information
D) to find unique quotations

Answer 1

A

Question 2

What is an advantage of research material accessed on social media sites?

A) It can always be used as expert opinion.
B) It is often creative and innovative.
C) It is often verified by multiple sources.
D) It is considered to be the most accurate source.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Nela incorporated recent guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control in her speech about immunizations needed for foreign travel. What information source is Nela using?

A) her personal experience
B) expert opinion
C) social media
D) online database

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Which general research strategy should competent speakers follow?

A) The first source found is usually the best.
B) Read everything available on the topic.
C) Be selective about materials that will enhance your knowledge.
D) Focus on one type of source material.

Question 5

An important difference between websites and print sources such as journals and periodicals is that __________.

A) print sources are more readily available and easier to access
B) only websites provide information on current topics
C) only print sources provide information about the author of the material
D) websites do not undergo the same evaluation and review process that print sources go through

Question 6

Some communication professionals indicate that for every 10 minutes of speaking time, __________ hours of research and preparation time are required.

A) 2 hours
B) 5 hours
C) 10 hours
D) 25 hours

Question 7

When researching, speakers are cautioned to take good notes and identify direct quotes in order to avoid __________.

A) plagiarism
B) using more than one source
C) boring the audience
D) repetition

Question 8

Blake has selected a topic for his next speech and is ready to begin the research process. What immediate action should Blake take next?

A) assess the validity of all potential sources
B) prepare a preliminary list of references
C) analyze the audience's level of knowledge
D) determine which materials to locate first

Question 9

What must student speakers keep in mind when preparing for classroom speeches?

A) statistics and testimony should be avoided by beginning speakers
B) read all the material available on your topic
C) understand the number and types of supporting material required
D) variety in the mix of supporting materials will only confuse the audience

Question 10

When research time is limited, __________ is perhaps the most essential consideration for speakers.

A) quality of information
B) quantity of information
C) currency of information
D) uniqueness of information

Question 11

If a website you are using for research has links to sites that no longer work, what does this often indicate?

A) The author is unqualified.
B) The information on the site is not current.
C) The publisher wishes to remain anonymous.
D) The site's purpose is to sell products.

Question 12

The function indicator ".edu" or ".gov" of a URL indicates that the purpose of the website is __________.

A) to provide factual information and explanations
B) to promote and sell products
C) to influence public opinion
D) to entertain

Question 13

Ian is preparing an entertainment speech on Final Fantasy gaming. As he conducts online research, what should he consider as a primary criterion for evaluating information on websites?

A) ease of access
B) links
C) length of article
D) purpose

Question 14

What is the most appropriate suggestion for beginning the research process for your next speech?

A) Save your search until after you've written a rough draft of the speech.
B) Focus your efforts on one type of source material.
C) Read everything available on the topic.
D) Start early and gather more information than you think you'll need.

Question 15

What is among the most valuable sources of information one can use when researching a speech topic?

A) tabloids
B) "canned" speeches provided in professional magazines
C) editorials
D) yourself

Question 16

The function indicator ".org" of a URL indicates that the purpose of the website is __________.

A) to provide factual information and explanation.
B) to promote and sell products
C) to entertain
D) to influence public opinion and advocate for particular issues

Question 17

Christos, an exchange student from Greece, wants to give an informative speech on his home country and culture. The best source of information for Christos for this speech would likely be __________.

A) the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature
B) his personal experience
C) interviews with experts
D) an encyclopedia

Question 18

Jake realizes that having another person's point of view would make his speech more interesting. The most likely source of information for that material would be __________.

A) an encyclopedia
B) an interview
C) an almanac
D) a book of quotations

Question 19

It is suggested that when you are using the Internet for research, you should __________.

A) use more than one search engine to look for materials on your topic
B) eliminate any websites that redirect you to other sites
C) rely on a Google search for the most accurate results
D) always use the websites that appear first

Question 20

Malik is presenting an informational speech on the Sudanese civil war and its international impact. He is looking for a website that provides factual information and explanations. What URL indicator should he look for?

A) .net or .com
B) .name
C) .edu or .gov
D) .coop

Question 21

What must speakers keep in mind when using statistics as supporting evidence?

A) They must never be summarized or approximated.
B) They must be explained to listeners.
C) They must stand alone without interpretation.
D) They must be used often to have an impact.

Question 22

When using statistics in a speech, they should always be from __________ sources.

A) biased
B) popular
C) neutral
D) current

Question 23

A term's dictionary definition and the characteristics that distinguish the term from other items in the same category is also known as a(n) __________.

A) definition by connotation
B) operational definition
C) logical definition
D) definition by example

Question 24

What method of developing a bibliography is suggested by the text?

A) Rely on your memory to track sources.
B) Keep a running list of every available source, whether you consult it or not.
C) Maintain a complete source listing on individual index cards as you conduct research.
D) Photocopy the full text of each source for later reference.

Question 25

The supporting material in a presentation constitutes which speech aspect referred to by Aristotle?

A) an introduction
B) a statement
C) the proof
D) an attention-getter

Question 26

Effective speakers justify each main idea in their speeches with __________.

A) a sworn statement of validity
B) a variety of supporting materials
C) one primary source
D) skillful nonverbal delivery strategies

Question 27

You are conducting research at the library and want to find the latest opinions and trends on a particular political issue. The best sources of information are __________.

A) professional journals
B) newspapers and weekly magazines
C) encyclopedias
D) books

Question 28

What form of evidence tends to add trustworthiness to what a speaker says?

A) definition
B) testimony
C) analogy
D) brief example

Question 29

As he reached his conclusion, Martin said "Feedback is to communication what the thermostat is to the furnace." What type of supporting material is Martin using here?

A) an operational definition
B) a definition by example
C) a literal analogy
D) a figurative analogy

Question 30

An important early task that speakers should accomplish before writing interview questions and prior to conducting an interview is to __________.

A) buy a tape recorder
B) research the topic
C) prepare a bibliography
D) record a practice interview

Question 31

An interview used for speech research is best described as __________.

A) a conversation to establish interpersonal rapport between two individuals
B) a divisive conversation between two people who may or may not know each other
C) the ideas, testimony, conclusions or judgments of witnesses or recognized authorities
D) a carefully planned question-and-answer session aimed at gathering information

Question 32

What is the advantage of taking notes on note cards when conducting research?

A) limits the scope of information
B) can be used later for delivery notes
C) easier to transport
D) can arrange and move cards to organize information

Question 33

When using testimony, public speakers must be certain to __________.

A) avoid paraphrasing, especially for technical material.
B) use authorities most people have never heard of
C) double-check quotations for accuracy and do not use them out of context.
D) use at least two experts per main point in your speech

Question 34

For her informative speech on the university library, Bridget draws a comparison between an interlibrary loan and Redbox. This is an example of __________.

A) a figurative analogy
B) a literal analogy
C) an operational definition
D) a definition by example

Question 35

Statistics enable speakers to __________.

A) summarize a large amount of data quickly
B) gloss over insignificant trends
C) explain why something occurred
D) creatively engage the audience

Question 36

Which description correctly reflects research where source information must be recorded accurately and completely?

A) information generated from self-inventory or brainstorming
B) quoting information, summarizing information and paraphrasing information
C) reviewing multiple websites in order to select a source
D) consulting background information before narrowing your topic

Question 37

"In 1979, petroleum and natural gas contributed 67 percent of the total energy, while coal supplied only 30 percent. Electrical power increased from a negligible amount in 1900 to about 500 watts per person." The type of supporting material used in this example is __________.

A) definition
B) statistics
C) comparison
D) testimony

Question 38

"Imagine that you are in a situation where an angry mob has accused a friend of a serious crime, and they are going to hang him because they believe your friend is guilty, even though he isn't. Your only chance to save your friend is to convince the unruly mob of your friend's innocence." This is best described as __________.

A) a hypothetical illustration
B) a factual narrative
C) a literal analogy
D) a literal metaphor

Question 39

When developing your speech, the research process will be much easier if you __________.

A) state a clear purpose before you begin
B) draft your speech first and find material to fit
C) develop your conclusion before you begin
D) locate and use a similar speech as a template

Question 40

Where in your library can you most easily find current issues of newspapers from around the world?

A) the reference department
B) ERIC
C) LexisNexis
D) the card catalog

Question 41

Identify and describe the various options for gathering information for your speeches. For your next upcoming speech, develop an action plan for using these different options. Which options do you think are most appropriate for your topic and specific purpose?

Question 42

When are examples used in a speech? Briefly define brief examples and illustrations. Create either a brief example or an illustration that might be used as supporting material for your next speech assignment.

Question 43

Why has social media increased in popularity as a research source? How might you incorporate information gained this way in a speech?

Question 44

What are the advantages of using the library as an information source? What kinds of information can you find there?

Question 45

Why are you a valuable source of information for a speech? Discuss at least two topic areas in which you might provide experience and knowledge for a speech.

Question 46

Discuss the value of using testimony in a speech. Provide an example of testimony used to enhance a speech you have heard in the classroom, on television, or in a business setting.

Question 47

Review the general guidelines for recording interviews.

Question 48

Describe the steps you would need to take to develop a research plan. Outline a research plan for your next speech.

Question 49

Most of us begin our research online. What basic questions should you ask when using web-based information? Why is it important to ask these questions?

Question 50

Think about the suggestions for conducting research outlined in the text. Discuss how you plan to improve your own research process to make it easier and more enjoyable.