Business Research Methods - Assignment Example

Business Research Methods A. Choose the correct answer and write a brief explanation of (why you think it’s the correct answer?) 1. Business research provides quantitative, but not qualitative, information upon which to base decisions. True / False Explanation: This question is true because researchers tend to focus more on acquiring and collecting data rather than identifying whether the data is of quality. (Zikmund, 15) 2. Both basic and applied research are systematic and objective, but only basic research utilizes the scientific method to answer the question at hand.

True / False Explanation: This statement is false because although they both seek to achieve an objective, they cannot achieve this objective without using the scientific method. Research requires the steps outlined in the scientific method in order to be admissible in the business setting and this applies to basic and applied research. (Zikmund, 5) 3. A hypothesis is a proposition that is not designed for testing. True / False Explanation: This statement is false because a hypothesis is created for the sole purpose proving or disproving a theory, idea or thought.

Therefore, in order to prove or disprove, testing must occur. (Zikmund, 6) 4. Theory development is essentially a process of describing and explaining phenomena and relationships at increasingly higher levels of abstraction. True / False Explanation: This statement is true because if you consider the theory itself, there is an explanation that is not simplistic. It involves thinking in a manner that is more abstract and three dimensional; making sure all bases of business research is covered.

(Zikmund, 39) 5. If a consumer behavior theorist wishes to establish that attitude change causes behavior change, one criterion that must be established is that attitude change precedes behavior change. True / False Explanation: This would be an accurate criterion because with the change of attitude comes the change of behavior in a particular field. This is where the issue of Ethics come into play and helps determine what is socially right or wrong. (Zikmund, 89) 6. Experiments have the least potential to establish cause-and-effect relationships.

True / False Explanation: This statement is false because if you consider a manager having to make a decision regarding price change, they will need to have an experiment variable of which they can manipulate to see its outcome. (Zikmund, 59) The manipulation of this variable create an outcome that results in the cause and effect relationship. 7. All individuals have the right to participate or to refuse to comply with the requests of market researchers. True / False Explanation: This answer is true because it is not in the best interest of an individual to refuse to comply with the requests of the market researchers if it is for their own good.

It depends on the type of market researcher and the participants have a right to confidentiality.(Zikmund, 85) B. Select the correct answer and write a brief explanation of (why you think it’s the correct answer? 1. Which of the following is NOT true about theories? a) The main purpose of theory is description b) Concepts abstract reality c) Theories are used as principles of explanation of apparent relationships of certain observed phenomena. d) Theories, once verified, allow for prediction.

Explanation: This statement is not true about theories because its main purpose is not to give a description, instead, it is to expound on a relationship of certain observed phenomenon that can eventually allow for prediction. It is a formal, logical explanation of events which includes abstract reality and practical thoughts. (Zikmund, 39-41) 2. All of the following statements are true EXCEPT: a) There is no one best research design for all situations. b) Observation studies are easy to administer and conduct. c) One drawback of observation methods is that they cannot record respondents' attitudes and opinions. d) There are many different ways to collect data.

Explanation: This statement is not true because observation studies require steps that are included in the scientific method. All steps must be followed in order to conduct a valid observation with the proper variables being manipulated. Observation requires testing and testing can’t record respondent’s attitudes and opinions. (Zikmund, 42) 3. To be most useful, how should research objectives be stated? a) They should be stated as broadly as possible to permit flexibility in applying the research. b) They should be stated as precisely as possible to avoid misapplying the research. c) Usually it makes little difference whether they are broadly or precisely stated as long as the objective is clear. d) Most research does not need a stated objective because the nature of the problem implies the objective.

Explanation: This is the correct answer because if the objective is not clear from the start, the particular research group could be put on the “do not call” list which restricts the telemarketer or researcher form contacting this pers. (Zikmund, 92) 4. When a respondent in a personal interview refuses to answer a question about his annual income, the respondent is exercising his right to: a) Informed consent b) Seek information c) Refuse to participate d) Be truthful Explanation: This answer is correct because refusing to participate allows for the responded to exercise is right to privacy as well.

This way, he is sure that the information will not be given to any other source. (Zikmund, 91) Works Cited