Question 1

Primary data can be generated through surveys, interviews, observation, and experimentation.

Accepted Answer

Primary data refers to data that is collected firsthand by the researcher through methods such as surveys, interviews, observation, and experimentation.

Question 2

An expanded statement of purpose includes three additional factors: the scope, significance, and limitations of the report.

Accepted Answer

An expanded statement of purpose includes the scope, significance, and limitations of the report in addition to the regular statement of purpose.

Question 3

All business reports have one or more of the following purposes: to convey information, to answer questions, and to solve problems.

Accepted Answer

Business reports serve the purpose of conveying information, answering questions, and solving problems for the business.

Question 4

Based on their function, most business reports fall into two broad categories: informational or analytical.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true as most business reports either provide information to the reader or analyze information to make recommendations or decisions.

Question 5

The first step in the report-writing process is preparing a work plan.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The first step in the report-writing process...

Question 6

Are you in favour of banning texting while driving to save lives? is an example of a leading question.

Accepted Answer

A leading question suggests a particular answer or contains the information the questioner is looking to have confirmed, as this question implies that banning texting while driving will save lives.

Question 7

Brad started his report with a description of the problem. He followed this with his facts and findings. Finally, he ended his report with his conclusions and recommendations. Brad has used the indirect strategy to write his report.

Accepted Answer

Brad has used the indirect strategy to write his report because he started with a description of the problem, followed by his facts and findings, and ended with his conclusions and recommendations.

Question 8

Forms and templates are useful for presenting repetitive data, such as monthly sales reports, performance appraisals, merchandise inventories, and personnel and financial reports.

Accepted Answer

Forms and templates can standardize and simplify the process of presenting repetitive data, making it easier to read and compare over time.

Question 9

Business researchers can safely assume that the great majority of Web sources are reliable.

Accepted Answer

Business researchers cannot safely assume that all Web sources are reliable, as there is a significant amount of misinformation, bias, and inaccurate information available online. It is important for researchers to critically evaluate the credibility and accuracy of sources they use in their research.

Question 10

You are reading an article in The Globe and Mail that discusses the research findings of a study by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety on workplace hazards. This newspaper article is an example of primary data.

Accepted Answer

The newspaper article is secondary data as it reports on research findings from another source, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

Question 11

If readers are familiar with or supportive of the topic, the report should be organized indirectly.

Accepted Answer

When readers are familiar with or supportive of the topic, a direct organization is more effective because it gets to the point quickly, which aligns with the readers' expectations and preferences.

Question 12

The smaller an organization is, the more vital the exchange and flow of information becomes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The smaller an organization is, the more...

Question 13

An example of a simple statement of purpose for a business report might be To recommend a new procedure for preparing quarterly financial statements.

Accepted Answer

This statement clearly states the purpose of the business report, which is to recommend a new procedure for preparing quarterly financial statements.

Question 14

Formal experimentation produces data suggesting causes and effects.

Accepted Answer

Formal experimentation involves manipulating independent variables and measuring their effects on dependent variables, thus producing data that suggest cause-and-effect relationships.

Question 15

Research reports prepared by consultants for their clients tend to be rather formal.

Accepted Answer

Research reports prepared by consultants for their clients are typically formal documents as they require a structured and professional approach to presenting research findings and recommendations. The formal tone and style of the report help to convey the seriousness and importance of the information presented to the client.

Question 16

Yes-no questions produce the best results in an interview with an expert.

Accepted Answer

No, open-ended questions that allow for more detailed and informative responses typically produce the best results in an interview with an expert. Yes-no questions may result in short and limited answers.

Question 17

When incorporating a graphic in the body of your report, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Including a reference to the graphic in the text and positioning it close to the text helps the reader understand the context and relevance of the graphic, ensuring clarity and coherence in the report.

Question 18

Everett's boss has asked him to research and to recommend a new insurance provider for employees' health insurance. Everett should write an analytical report.

Accepted Answer

Since Everett has been asked to research and make a recommendation, it is appropriate for him to write an analytical report.

Question 19

Nearly every research project should begin with a search of primary data.

Accepted Answer

Nearly every research project should begin with a search of secondary data, not primary data. Primary data is collected through original research, while secondary data has already been collected and compiled by others. It is recommended to search and analyze secondary data before conducting primary research to avoid duplicating efforts and to build upon existing knowledge.

Question 20

Michelle attended a professional conference and must submit a report to her supervisor. She should write an analytical report.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Michelle attended a professional conference and must...

Quiz 11: Reporting in the Workplace