1The term 'Research' is derived from the French word 'Rechercher', which literally means:
A.To predict
B.To analyze data
C.To experiment
D.To search again
Correct Answer: To search again
Explanation:
Etymologically, research comes from 're' (again) and 'chercher' (to search). It implies a systematic investigation to establish facts or principles.
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2Which of the following best defines Research in a business context?
A.A systematic inquiry to provide information for decision-making
B.A subjective opinion of the management
C.The routine preparation of financial reports
D.A random collection of data for business meetings
Correct Answer: A systematic inquiry to provide information for decision-making
Explanation:
Business research is defined as the systematic and objective process of gathering, recording, and analyzing data for aid in making business decisions.
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3Which type of research is primarily concerned with establishing generalizations and formulating theories?
A.Applied Research
B.Action Research
C.Clinical Research
D.Fundamental Research
Correct Answer: Fundamental Research
Explanation:
Fundamental (or Basic/Pure) research focuses on expanding the frontiers of knowledge and formulating theories, without an immediate commercial application.
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4Research that aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or an industrial/business organization is known as:
A.Fundamental Research
B.Descriptive Research
C.Conceptual Research
D.Applied Research
Correct Answer: Applied Research
Explanation:
Applied research is designed to solve specific, practical problems affecting an individual or group, distinguished from pure research which seeks knowledge for knowledge's sake.
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5Descriptive Research includes which of the following?
A.Development of new theories
B.Philosophical analysis
C.Surveys and fact-finding enquiries
D.Laboratory experiments only
Correct Answer: Surveys and fact-finding enquiries
Explanation:
Descriptive research describes the state of affairs as it exists at present. Surveys are the most common method used in this type of research.
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6Which type of research uses facts or information already available and analyzes them to make a critical evaluation?
A.Descriptive Research
B.Exploratory Research
C.Quantitative Research
D.Analytical Research
Correct Answer: Analytical Research
Explanation:
Analytical research involves the researcher using facts or information already available and analyzing them to make a critical evaluation of the material.
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7Quantitative Research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of:
A.Numerical data
B.Motives
C.Subjective opinions
D.Qualities
Correct Answer: Numerical data
Explanation:
Quantitative research involves the generation of data in quantitative form which can be subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid fashion.
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8Qualitative Research is specifically important in the behavioral sciences because:
A.It aims at discovering the underlying motives and desires
B.It is faster than quantitative research
C.It relies solely on statistical formulas
D.It ignores human behavior
Correct Answer: It aims at discovering the underlying motives and desires
Explanation:
Qualitative research is concerned with qualitative phenomenon (relating to or involving quality or kind). It helps in analyzing the various factors which motivate people to behave in a particular manner.
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9Research related to some abstract idea(s) or theory, often used by philosophers and thinkers, is called:
A.Diagnostic Research
B.Conceptual Research
C.Longitudinal Research
D.Empirical Research
Correct Answer: Conceptual Research
Explanation:
Conceptual research is that which is related to some abstract idea(s) or theory. It is generally used to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones.
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10Empirical Research relies on:
A.Experience or observation alone
B.Abstract theory only
C.Secondary data only
D.Hypothetical situations
Correct Answer: Experience or observation alone
Explanation:
Empirical research relies on experience or observation alone, often without due regard for system and theory. It is data-based research.
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11Which characteristic of ideal research ensures that the results are consistent if the study is repeated under similar conditions?
A.Reliability
B.Exploration
C.Validity
D.Subjectivity
Correct Answer: Reliability
Explanation:
Reliability refers to the consistency or stability of a measure. If a study is reliable, repeating it should yield similar results.
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12Objectivity in research implies:
A.The research supports a pre-determined conclusion
B.The research is based on the researcher's personal beliefs
C.The findings are influenced by external pressures
D.The research is free from personal bias and prejudice
Correct Answer: The research is free from personal bias and prejudice
Explanation:
Objectivity means that the conclusion is drawn from the data analysis rather than the researcher's own emotional values or biases.
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13When a researcher reasons from general theories to specific observations, this is known as:
A.Subjective reasoning
B.Exploratory reasoning
C.Inductive reasoning
D.Deductive reasoning
Correct Answer: Deductive reasoning
Explanation:
Deductive reasoning moves from the general to the specific (Top-down approach). It starts with a theory and tests it against observations.
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14Reasoning that proceeds from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories is called:
A.Operational reasoning
B.Statistical reasoning
C.Inductive reasoning
D.Deductive reasoning
Correct Answer: Inductive reasoning
Explanation:
Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories (Bottom-up approach).
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15A concept that can take on different quantitative values is called a:
A.Variable
B.Theory
C.Constant
D.Hypothesis
Correct Answer: Variable
Explanation:
A variable is a concept which can take on different quantitative values (e.g., weight, height, income).
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16In a causal relationship where variable causes a change in variable , variable is known as the:
A.Independent Variable
B.Extraneous Variable
C.Control Variable
D.Dependent Variable
Correct Answer: Independent Variable
Explanation:
The independent variable is the one that is manipulated or causes a change in another variable. The variable being affected is the dependent variable.
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17If we are studying the effect of Advertising Spend on Sales Revenue, then Sales Revenue is the:
A.Independent Variable
B.Moderating Variable
C.Dependent Variable
D.Intervening Variable
Correct Answer: Dependent Variable
Explanation:
Sales Revenue depends on the amount spent on advertising. Therefore, Sales Revenue is the Dependent Variable.
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18A variable that interferes with the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, which the researcher aims to control, is called an:
A.Endogenous Variable
B.Operational Variable
C.Extraneous Variable
D.Independent Variable
Correct Answer: Extraneous Variable
Explanation:
Extraneous variables are independent variables that are not related to the purpose of the study, but may affect the dependent variable.
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19A tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences is called a:
A.Law
B.Theory
C.Construct
D.Hypothesis
Correct Answer: Hypothesis
Explanation:
A hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between two or more variables. It is a specific, testable prediction.
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20The Null Hypothesis is denoted by the symbol:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer:
Explanation:
The Null Hypothesis, which usually suggests no relationship or no difference, is universally denoted by .
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21The Alternative Hypothesis is denoted by the symbol:
A. or
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer: or
Explanation:
The Alternative Hypothesis represents the opposite of the null hypothesis and is what the researcher often seeks to prove. It is denoted by or .
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22Which of the following is a challenge in ideal research?
A.Perfect reliability of human subjects
B.Uncontrollable variables in social sciences
C.Lack of ethical constraints
D.Availability of too much funding
Correct Answer: Uncontrollable variables in social sciences
Explanation:
Unlike physical sciences, social and business research deals with human behavior and market dynamics, which have many uncontrollable variables, posing a significant challenge.
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23Exploratory Research is primarily used to:
A.Gain familiarity with a phenomenon or achieve new insights
B.Describe the characteristics of a population
C.Test a specific hypothesis
D.Establish a cause-and-effect relationship
Correct Answer: Gain familiarity with a phenomenon or achieve new insights
Explanation:
Exploratory research is conducted for a problem that has not been studied more clearly, intended to establish priorities, develop operational definitions, and improve the final research design.
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24Research that is restricted to a single time period is known as:
A.Longitudinal Research
B.Time-Series Research
C.Historical Research
D.Cross-Sectional Research
Correct Answer: Cross-Sectional Research
Explanation:
Cross-sectional research involves the study of a particular phenomenon (or population) at a specific point in time.
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25Research carried out over several time periods is called:
A.Static Research
B.Longitudinal Research
C.Cross-Sectional Research
D.Snapshot Research
Correct Answer: Longitudinal Research
Explanation:
Longitudinal research involves repeated observations of the same variables (e.g., people) over short or long periods of time.
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26An Operational Definition defines a concept in terms of:
A.Synonyms
B.Specific procedures or measurement criteria used in the study
C.Dictionary meaning
D.Abstract philosophy
Correct Answer: Specific procedures or measurement criteria used in the study
Explanation:
An operational definition gives a meaning to a concept by specifying the activities or operations necessary to measure it (e.g., defining 'Brand Loyalty' as 'repeat purchase 3 times in a month').
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27Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Scientific Method?
A.Systematic
B.Subjective
C.Replicable
D.Empirical
Correct Answer: Subjective
Explanation:
The Scientific Method strives for objectivity. Subjectivity (personal bias/opinion) is contrary to the scientific method.
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28What is a Construct in business research?
A.A physical building
B.An abstract idea specifically invented for a given research and theory purpose
C.A concrete variable like height
D.A statistical tool
Correct Answer: An abstract idea specifically invented for a given research and theory purpose
Explanation:
A construct is an image or abstract idea specifically invented for a given research and/or theory-building purpose (e.g., 'Customer Satisfaction' or 'Job Motivation').
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29Diagnostic Research studies are concerned with:
A.Describing a population
B.Formulating a theory
C.Discovering the frequency with which something occurs or its association with something else
D.Forecasting future trends
Correct Answer: Discovering the frequency with which something occurs or its association with something else
Explanation:
Diagnostic research determines the frequency with which something occurs or its association with something else, often looking for the root cause of a problem.
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30The criteria of Validity in research answers the question:
A.Is the research inexpensive?
B.Is the data consistent over time?
C.Does the instrument measure what it is supposed to measure?
D.Is the sample size large enough?
Correct Answer: Does the instrument measure what it is supposed to measure?
Explanation:
Validity refers to the accuracy of the measure; specifically, whether the research truly measures the concept it claims to measure.
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31Which of the following is an Ethical Challenge in research?
A.Selecting a statistical software
B.Informed consent and privacy of participants
C.Formatting the final report
D.Defining the independent variable
Correct Answer: Informed consent and privacy of participants
Explanation:
Ethics in research involves protecting the rights of participants, including ensuring they agree to participate (informed consent) and keeping their data private.
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32A set of systematically interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that are advanced to explain and predict phenomena is known as a:
A.Variable
B.Sample
C.Theory
D.Statistic
Correct Answer: Theory
Explanation:
A theory is a generalized set of principles that explains how or why a phenomenon occurs, linking concepts and definitions systematically.
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33Ex-post facto research is often used in social sciences and business. It translates to:
A.During the experiment
B.From the future
C.After the fact
D.Before the fact
Correct Answer: After the fact
Explanation:
Ex-post facto research is conducted after the event has already occurred. The researcher has no control over the variables; they can only report what has happened.
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34Which of the following is a characteristic of Good Research?
A.The research design should be hidden
B.The researcher should rely on intuition
C.The data analysis should be ambiguous
D.The purpose should be clearly defined
Correct Answer: The purpose should be clearly defined
Explanation:
Good research requires a clearly defined purpose to avoid confusion and ensure the study stays on track.
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35In the context of research, Generalizability refers to:
A.The ability to keep data secret
B.The ability to apply findings to a larger population
C.The specific focus on a single case study
D.The use of general variables
Correct Answer: The ability to apply findings to a larger population
Explanation:
Generalizability is the extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to the larger population from which the sample was drawn.
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36A variable that theoretically lies between the independent and dependent variables and helps explain the relationship is an:
An intervening (or mediating) variable surfaces between the time the independent variables operate to influence the dependent variable and the time their impact is felt.
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37Action Research is primarily concerned with:
A.Analyzing historical data
B.Building global theories
C.Reviewing literature
D.Immediate solution of a practical problem in a local setting
Correct Answer: Immediate solution of a practical problem in a local setting
Explanation:
Action research is a type of applied research focused on solving a specific problem in a specific setting, often involving the participants in the research process.
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38The Scope of business research includes which of the following areas?
A.HR Research only
B.All of the above (Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, etc.)
C.Marketing Research only
D.Financial Research only
Correct Answer: All of the above (Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, etc.)
Explanation:
Business research is broad and covers all functional areas of business including marketing, finance, human resources, operations, and strategy.
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39Which of the following represents a Continuous Variable?
A.Pass/Fail status
B.Number of children in a family
C.Gender (Male/Female)
D.Temperature in Celsius
Correct Answer: Temperature in Celsius
Explanation:
A continuous variable can take on an infinite number of values within a range (e.g., 25.5°C). 'Number of children' is discrete; 'Gender' and 'Pass/Fail' are categorical.
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40What is a Proposition in research?
A.A type of software
B.A statement about observable phenomena that may be judged as true or false
C.A mathematical formula
D.A proven fact
Correct Answer: A statement about observable phenomena that may be judged as true or false
Explanation:
A proposition is a statement concerned with the relationship among concepts. When a proposition is formulated for empirical testing, it is called a hypothesis.
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41Predictive Research aims to:
A.Forecast future events based on current data
B.Describe the past
C.Explain the present
D.Critique existing theories
Correct Answer: Forecast future events based on current data
Explanation:
Predictive research involves using data to predict future trends or outcomes, such as sales forecasting.
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42The Cyclical nature of research implies that:
A.Research is only done on bicycles
B.Research goes in circles and achieves nothing
C.Research starts with a problem and ends with a problem
D.Research is linear and ends permanently
Correct Answer: Research starts with a problem and ends with a problem
Explanation:
Research is cyclical; solving one problem often leads to the discovery of new problems or questions, initiating a new cycle of research.
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43A Moderating Variable is one that:
A.Changes the strength or direction of the relationship between IV and DV
B.Is the result of the study
C.Has no effect on the study
D.Is the primary cause
Correct Answer: Changes the strength or direction of the relationship between IV and DV
Explanation:
A moderating variable affects the nature of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables (e.g., The effect of Training on Performance is moderated by Motivation).
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44Which of the following is a constraint or Challenge in Business Research?
A.Unlimited time
B.Perfect data accuracy
C.Static market conditions
D.Cost and Time limitations
Correct Answer: Cost and Time limitations
Explanation:
Business research is often conducted under strict deadlines and budget constraints, which limits the scope and depth of the study.
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45Clinical or Diagnostic Research typically uses:
A.Large scale surveys
B.Secondary data only
C.Mathematical modeling exclusively
D.Case-study methods or in-depth interviews
Correct Answer: Case-study methods or in-depth interviews
Explanation:
Clinical/Diagnostic research follows case-study methods or in-depth approaches to discover what is happening and why, often on a small sample.
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46Which type of research focuses on the structure and function of society?
A.Social Research
B.Market Research
C.Operations Research
D.Laboratory Research
Correct Answer: Social Research
Explanation:
Social research focuses on social behavior, community structure, and the interaction of social groups.
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47If a research study is Systematic, it means:
A.It is based on guesses
B.It follows a specified sequence of steps
C.It is chaotic
D.It relies on luck
Correct Answer: It follows a specified sequence of steps
Explanation:
Systematic means the research follows a structured, logical process (Defining problem -> Reviewing literature -> Designing -> Collecting data -> Analyzing -> Reporting).
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48Which variable is often denoted by the symbol in the equation ?
A.Dependent Variable
B.Coefficient
C.Independent Variable
D.Constant
Correct Answer: Dependent Variable
Explanation:
In standard mathematical and statistical notation, represents the Dependent Variable (the effect), which is a function of (the Independent Variable/cause).
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49Motivation Research is a type of:
A.Static Research
B.Qualitative Research
C.Quantitative Research
D.Applied Physics
Correct Answer: Qualitative Research
Explanation:
Motivation research attempts to discover the 'why' of consumer behavior (underlying motives/desires), making it qualitative in nature.
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50The concept of 'Control' in experimental research refers to:
A.Manipulating the dependent variable
B.Controlling the participants' minds
C.Minimizing the influence of extraneous variables
D.Analyzing the data
Correct Answer: Minimizing the influence of extraneous variables
Explanation:
In good research, the researcher attempts to control (hold constant) extraneous variables to ensure that changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable only.