Transcript Rhetorical Situation

Chapter 9
Understanding the Report
Process and Research
Methods
Business Communication, 14e
Lehman and DuFrene
Business Communication, 14th edition by Lehman and DuFrene
Copyright
2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning
Chapter 9
The Formal-Informal
Report Continuum
Business Communication, 14th edition by Lehman and DuFrene
Copyright
2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning
Chapter 9
The Problem Solving Process
Recognize and define the problem
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)
I.
II.
Business Communication, 14th edition by Lehman and DuFrene
Copyright
2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning
Chapter 9
Clear Problem Identification Aids
in Targeting Research
Business Communication, 14th edition by Lehman and DuFrene
Copyright
2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning
Chapter 9
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?
Business Communication, 14th edition by Lehman and DuFrene
Copyright
2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning
Chapter 9
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
Business Communication, 14th edition by Lehman and DuFrene
Copyright
2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning
Chapter 9
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
Business Communication, 14th edition by Lehman and DuFrene
Copyright
2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning
Chapter 9
Reasons for Accurate,
Complete Documentation

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
Business Communication, 14th edition by Lehman and DuFrene
Copyright
2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning
Chapter 9 (Slide 1 of 2)
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
Business Communication, 14th edition by Lehman and DuFrene
Copyright
2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning
Chapter 9 (Slide 2 of 2)
Guidelines for Designing
Effective Questionnaires (cont.)

Create an appealing format that is easy-toanswer 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
Business Communication, 14th edition by Lehman and DuFrene
Copyright
2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning
Chapter 9
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
Business Communication, 14th edition by Lehman and DuFrene
Copyright
2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning
Chapter 9
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
Business Communication, 14th edition by Lehman and DuFrene
Copyright
2005 by South-Western, a division of Thomson Learning