Research Methods For Business - A Skill Building Approach
75 open test bank questions with answers – entire book covered
Uma Sekaran
9781119663706
8th edition
Level: ADVANCED / not for beginners
,Contents
1. Introduction to Research.........................................................................3
2. Research Process.....................................................................................3
3. Literature Review.....................................................................................3
4. Theoretical Framework............................................................................4
5. Hypothesis Development........................................................................4
6. Research Design......................................................................................4
7. Sampling.................................................................................................5
8. Data Collection........................................................................................5
9. Data Analysis...........................................................................................6
10. Reliability and Validity...........................................................................6
11. Ethical Considerations...........................................................................7
12. Reporting Research...............................................................................7
13. Advanced Research Design...................................................................7
14. Data Collection Techniques....................................................................8
15. Measurement Scales.............................................................................8
16. Sampling Methods.................................................................................9
17. Statistical Concepts...............................................................................9
18. Data Analysis Techniques....................................................................10
19. Validity and Reliability.........................................................................10
20. Advanced Topics..................................................................................11
21. Practical Applications..........................................................................11
22. Research Reporting.............................................................................12
,1. Introduction to Research
1. Q: Define "applied research" and explain its importance in business
contexts.
A: Applied research seeks to solve specific, practical problems in
real-world settings. It is crucial in business to address immediate
issues, improve decision-making, and achieve organizational
objectives.
2. Q: How does research contribute to business decision-making?
A: Research provides evidence-based insights, minimizes risks,
supports strategic planning, and helps predict future trends in
business.
3. Q: What are the four main characteristics of scientific research?
A: Purposiveness, rigor, testability, and replicability.
2. Research Process
4. Q: What are the essential steps in the research process?
A: (1) Problem identification, (2) Literature review, (3) Theoretical
framework and hypothesis development, (4) Research design, (5)
Data collection, (6) Data analysis, (7) Interpretation of results, and
(8) Report writing.
5. Q: Why is formulating a clear research question critical?
A: A well-defined research question ensures focus, determines the
research design, and provides direction for data collection and
analysis.
6. Q: What is the role of pilot testing in the research process?
A: Pilot testing identifies potential issues in research design, ensures
reliability and validity, and refines research instruments.
3. Literature Review
7. Q: What is the purpose of conducting a literature review in business
research?
A: To identify gaps in existing knowledge, establish a theoretical
foundation, and ensure the study builds upon prior research.
8. Q: How can a researcher evaluate the credibility of sources during a
literature review?
, A: By assessing the author’s credentials, the publication's
reputation, and the study’s methodology and relevance.
9. Q: Differentiate between primary and secondary sources in
literature review.
A: Primary sources are original works, such as journal articles or
reports, while secondary sources summarize or analyze primary
sources, like textbooks or reviews.
4. Theoretical Framework
10. Q: Explain the importance of a theoretical framework in
business research.
A: It links concepts, establishes hypotheses, and provides a
structured explanation for the phenomena being studied.
11. Q: What are the key elements of a theoretical framework?
A: Constructs, variables, relationships among variables, and
hypotheses.
12. Q: How do constructs differ from variables in research?
A: Constructs are abstract concepts (e.g., employee satisfaction),
while variables are measurable representations of constructs (e.g.,
job satisfaction score).
5. Hypothesis Development
13. Q: What is the difference between a null hypothesis (H₀) and
an alternative hypothesis (H₁)?
A: The null hypothesis assumes no effect or relationship, while the
alternative hypothesis posits a significant effect or relationship.
14. Q: Why is hypothesis testing important in business research?
A: It allows researchers to evaluate theoretical propositions and
make data-driven decisions.
15. Q: What are the characteristics of a good hypothesis?
A: Testable, specific, based on existing knowledge, and includes
variables with defined relationships.
6. Research Design
16. Q: What is the difference between exploratory, descriptive,
and causal research designs?
