Business Communication, 14 th edition by Lehman and DuFrene  Copyright 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning Chapter 9 Understanding the Report Process and Research Methods Business Communication, 14e Lehman and DuFrene

Business Communication, 14 th edition by Lehman and DuFrene  Copyright 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning The Formal-Informal Report Continuum Chapter 9

Business Communication, 14 th edition by Lehman and DuFrene  Copyright 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning I. I. Recognize and define the problem II.Select a method of solution A. Library research B. Normative survey C.Observational analysis D.Experimentation III.Gather and analyze the findings IV.Arrive at an answer (conclusion) Chapter 9 The Problem Solving Process

Business Communication, 14 th edition by Lehman and DuFrene  Copyright 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning Clear Problem Identification Aids in Targeting Research Chapter 9

Business Communication, 14 th edition by Lehman and DuFrene  Copyright 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning Five Questions for Limiting the Problem What is it that I wish to find out? Why is the information needed? When must the report be completed? Where is the study limited to? Who will read and use the information? Chapter 9

Business Communication, 14 th edition by Lehman and DuFrene  Copyright 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning Limitations to Internet Research Information is not always accurate, current, or complete Information may be shared illegally Information may not be subjected to a rigorous review process that typically takes place with printed sources Chapter 9

Business Communication, 14 th edition by Lehman and DuFrene  Copyright 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning Rules for Using the Internet Effectively Choose your search engine appropriately Structure searches from broad to specific using Boolean logic Use quotation marks when literal topics are desired Look for web pages with hyperlinks to other web sites Be adaptable to various access formats Chapter 9

Business Communication, 14 th edition by Lehman and DuFrene  Copyright 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning Chapter 9 Gives credit where credit is due (highly ethical conduct) Protects writers against charges of plagiarism Supports statements and thus increases credibility Aids researchers in pursuing similar research Reasons for Accurate, Complete Documentation

Business Communication, 14 th edition by Lehman and DuFrene  Copyright 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning Guidelines for Designing Effective Questionnaires Arrange items in a logical sequence Ask for facts that can be recalled readily Write clear, specific questions ─Brief, easy-to-follow directions ─Words with precise meanings ─Short items related to one idea ─No “skip-and-jump” instructions Chapter 9 (Slide 1 of 2)

Business Communication, 14 th edition by Lehman and DuFrene  Copyright 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning Guidelines for Designing Effective Questionnaires (cont.) Create an appealing format that is easy-to- answer and tabulate Do not force respondents to choose an answer that does not apply to them ─ Provide all possible answers ─ Add “undecided” or “other” category ─ Avoid leading questions Pilot test the questionnaire and revise based on feedback Chapter 9 (Slide 2 of 2)

Business Communication, 14 th edition by Lehman and DuFrene  Copyright 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning Common Errors in Data Collection Using samples that are too small Using samples that are not representative Using poorly constructed data-gathering instruments Using information that comes from biased sources Failing to gather enough information Gathering too much information and using all of it regardless of relevance Chapter 9

Business Communication, 14 th edition by Lehman and DuFrene  Copyright 2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning Common Errors in Data Interpretation Trying to make results conform to prediction or desire Hoping for spectacular results Attempting to compare when commonality is absent Assuming a cause-and-effect relationship when one does not exist Failing to consider important factors Basing a conclusion on lack of evidence Assuming constancy of behavior Chapter 9