Business Research and Tools (Research Paper Sample)

Business Research and Tools
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Business Research and Tools
The scaling codes describe attributes which are hard to measure. Respondents in a study will respond differently to the same argument when allowed to choose a word describing an attribute. Since the meanings are relative, accuracy of data collected cannot be fully relied upon since it is also difficult to derive statistical measures from the scaling codes. To some extent, the meaning of the words in the code could be arbitrary. Scale (a) has limited variability. It is also ambiguous when the respondent is torn between yes and no. Scale (b), on the other hand, introduces more arbitrary terms since there is no definite demarcation between good and fair. Scale (d) is more objective since it provides the respondent with greater sensitivity of the measurement than scale (c). Overall, response depends on what the respondent relates the attribute. Statements requiring responses such as those expressed in the codes introduce room for challenging equivalence. The codes, therefore, present limitations when collecting data from different strata of the study. At the same time, respondents tend to choose the middle attribute thereby reducing sensitivity of the scale (Hughes, 2008).
Terms in Review
Purpose
In a secondary research, the purpose outlines what the study aims at achieving. It helps the researcher to come up with a valid research question to be investigated when using the secondary sources. It is also the bottom-line on which specific objectives are based. Lack of a clear purpose invalidates even the best designed research work. This in turn, enables a researcher to collect or contact only the sources that provide required information (Kothari, 2008).
Scope
Scope of research dictates where the research will focus. It outlines content of research as well as what will be done. It also outlines sources that a researcher targets to use as a means of achieving the overall objective. Failure to have a scope may lead to collection of cumbersome data that do not aid meeting of the primary objective. Scope outlines the borders or research from which the expected outcome will be derived (Kothari, 2008).
Authority
This refers to the body that validates information collected. The authorizing body vets the research question presented by a researcher. It controls the extent of questions and magnitude of disclosure that the study should pursue. Authority, therefore, controls the scope of the study. While important, it reduces the amount of information that can be gathered from a study (Ary, Jacob, Razavieh, & Sorensen, 2009).
Audience
This is the target group to whom the findings of a research are presented. It, therefore, dictates the complexity of language to use in the study as well as the method to use in presenting final research findings. Research finding must be easy to comprehend to enhance criticism, comprehension and implementation (Ary et al, 2009).
Format
This is the mode of presentation for research finding. In managing the study, the format influences complexity of figures to use in analyzing collected data. The format should be easy to use and correlate flow of the process. It should outline the study step wisely to enhance flow and readability. At the same time, format influences framing of study questions. They must have a format that allows the researcher to gather expected response (Ary et al, 2009).
Define the distinctions between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources in a secondary search
In a secondary search, primary sources refer to the written works of other people, which have not been consulted previously or whose consultation lead to wrong or premature conclusions. Primary sources, therefore, are paramount in building the structure of a secondary sourced research. On the other hand, secondary sources in a secondary research refer to the sources of information that show works of other researchers concerning the research question. A researcher consults various sources of text that present information necessary in achieving goals of the research. Tertiary sources, on the other hand, provide a background on what is commonly known concerning the subject matter. Usually, content in tertiary sources do not credit individual authors (Kothari, 2008).
What problems of secondary data quality must researchers face? How can they deal with them?
Various problems face a researcher when using secondary data sources. Firstly, the data may not be reliable. This is due to time limitation that causes the data to be outdated. A researcher may face limitations in gathering information regarding the source of data, level of accuracy, or even who collected the data. Secondly, the data might be biased since the author might only be concerned with meeting own objectives. Some organizations, for example, exaggerate their budgets prior to application for grants. The data might also not be applicable in the context of the researcher. In addition, the data may not be adequate to derive conclusions for the research question at hand. This is as a result of either being too wide or narrow than the scope of the research study at hand. To counteract the quality problems, the researcher should take time to establish the authenticity of information presented in the secondary sources. The researcher should conduct a background study that explains the history of data presented in the source. At the same time, the researcher could also pursue the original authors of the source in order to demystify or remove ambiguity in terms used during compilation of the report. This may also provide information on the level of accuracy achieved during report compilation. Contact with an author of a secondary source can also provide room for clarifying the meaning of terms used in the final document (Wilson, 2010).
State farm Discussion Questions
Constructs and Concepts Involved in the Study
State farm was paying out large amounts of money to policy holders as a result of accidents. This reduced their profitability. At the same time, the firm wanted to enhance its image as a safety conscious insurance provider. This was as a result of an initiative started by Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. The firm was also previously involved in proactive safety campaigns and needed to enhance its advocacy. State Farm, however, had limitations regarding data collection. Other than their own database, State Farm lacked reliable sources to gather information regarding accidents occurring at intersections. At the same time, the firm did not have enough resources to mobilize for the campaign. Similarly, the scope of their research was not well laid out thereby reducing objectivity of the study. The firm had also not identified the audience for their research findings. The findings required speedy implementation by transportation engineers who also lacked funds to implement recommendations (State farm, 2001).
Hypothesis that Might Drive the Research of one of the Cities on the Top 10 Dangerous Intersection List
High number of accidents resulting in loss of life and high payouts in premiums from an in...