Chapter 3

The second phase of the 3-x-3 writing process begins with _______.

• a. analyzing the audience
• composing the message
• researching the topic
• organizing the message

Answer explanation

The second phase of the 3-x-3 writing process begins with researching the topic. Research is necessary before beginning to write because the information collected helps shape the message

Before composing a business document, you should gather information that will answer which of these questions?

• Will I have enough time to complete thorough research?
• What is the receiver to do?
• What information will be the easiest to locate?
• How will I use this information?

Answer explanation

You should ask yourself "What is the receiver to do?" because it focuses on the audience rather than on the sender.

Which of the following would require a formal research method?

• Routine e-mail messages
• Business letters
• Long reports and proposals
• Oral presentations

Answer explanation

Long reports and proposals generally require some use of formal research methods. However, routine tasks such as drafting e-mails, memos, letters, informational reports, and oral presentations require research that can be collected informally.

All of the following are informal research methods except _______.

• interviewing the target audience
• conducting a scientific experiment
• looking in company files
• brainstorming for ideas

Answer explanation

Informal research methods include searching company files, talking with the boss, interviewing the target audience, conducting an informal survey, or brainstorming for ideas.

When brainstorming to generate ideas, you should _______. 

• critique each idea as it is suggested
• record ideas without judging them
• always work alone for greater efficiency
• allow no more than five ideas to be discussed

Answer explanation

Brainstorming is the process of discussing and recording ideas without judging them. Evaluations, critiques, voting, and limiting the number of ideas can stifle ideas needed in brainstorming because brainstorming requires an open mind.

Which of the following is a formal research method?

• Talking with your boss
• Investigating primary sources
• Brainstorming
• Looking in company files

Answer explanation

Investigating primary sources is a formal research method using questionnaires, interviews, or focus groups.

Which of the following research sources will provide you with firsthand information?

• Internet websites and articles
• Reference books
• Electronic databases
• Interviews

Answer explanation

An interview would be the best form of research to obtain firsthand information.

As interns in human resource management, Brad and his team are administering a professionally developed employee questionnaire to collect information on workplace violence. This type of research produces data that is considered _______. 

• firsthand information
• informal documentation
• supplementary, secondary information
• scientific experimentation

Answer explanation

This questionnaire produces firsthand information because the human resources team is collecting workplace violence information directly from employees

Quality Building Materials Inc. has developed a new whole-house weather blanket and needs to determine the price point at which builders would switch to this new product. The best research method for this is a(n) _______.

• manual search of other companies' price lists
• interview with a local builder
• Internet search of insulation values for weather blankets
• scientific experiment that presents price choices with controlled variables

Answer explanation

To find a competitive price for this new product, this company should conduct a scientific experiment. An interview of a builder, a manual search of price lists, or Internet searches will not provide the needed information.

Ahna is sending a persuasive memo to her staff asking them to participate in the new wellness program. Which of the following sources of information would be most appropriate to help Ahna shape an effective persuasive message for her staff?

• Tightly controlled scientific experimentation
• Library research
• Questionnaires and surveys of employees
• Research in company files

Answer explanation

Questionnaires and surveys of employees will provide information to shape a persuasive memo. Scientific experimentation, library research, and company files are unlikely to provide the needed information.