Chapter_03

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

• 1. analyzing the audience

• 1. composing the message

• 1. researching the topic

• 1. organizing 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?

Which of the following would require a formal research method?

• Routine e-mail messages
  

• Business letters
  

• Long reports and proposals

• Oral presentations

All of the following are informal research methods except _______.

• interviewing the target audience

• 2. conducting a scientific experiment

• 2. looking in company files

• 2. 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 _______.

• 1. critique each idea as it is suggested

• 1. record ideas without judging them

• 1. always work alone for greater efficiency

• 1. allow no more than 5 ideas to be discussed

Which of the following is a formal research method?

• 1. Talking with your boss

• 1. Investigating primary sources

• 1. Brainstorming

• 1. 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?

• 1. Internet websites and

     articles

• 1. Reference books

• 1. Electronic databases

• 1. Interviews

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

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

A scratch list for a message is _______.

• 1. a list of topics that should not be covered

• 1. a complex, hierarchical arrangement of your ideas

• 1. a list of the general topics you wish to include

• 1. an inventory of illustrations or visuals you plan to include

Answer explanation

Some writers make a quick scratch list of the general topics they wish to include in a message. An outline, in contrast with a scratch list, is more organized.