Chapter 03

Thinking Like a Researcher

 

Multiple Choice Questions

 

1. Direct observation of phenomena, empirically testable hypotheses, and the ability to rule out rival
hypotheses are all essential tenets of the _____. 
 

A. experiential method
B. scientific method
C.  intuitive process
D. strategic management process
E.  account planning philosophy
 
2. _____ is said to denote observations and propositions based on sensory experience and/or derived from such
experience by methods of inductive logic. 
 

A. Empiricism
B. Scientific management
C.  Exposition
D. Deduction
E.  Propositional research
 
3. Which of the following activities can be used to describe the scientific method? 
 

A. Playing checkers
B. Watching Jeopardy
C.  Playing chess
D. Solving puzzles
E.  Investing in stocks
 
4. The statement, "Sales in Pacific Timber Products have increased in the past six months," is an example of
a(n) _____. 
 

A. inductive argument
B. deductive argument
C.  exposition
D. research question
E.  proposition
 

3-1
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
5. _____ is a form of argument that purports to be conclusive - the conclusion must necessarily follow from the
reasons given. 
 

A. Induction
B. Deduction
C.  Logic
D. Philosophy
E.  Exposition
 
6. Which form of argument presents a conclusion based on reasons or proof? 
 

A. Induction
B. Deduction
C.  Logic
D. Philosophy
E.  Exposition
 
7. Which of the following is a requirement for a deduction to be considered correct? 
 

A. Validit
y
B. Reliability
C.  Inference
D. Empiricism
E.  Conclusiveness
 
8. Consider the following statements: "Inner-city household interviewing is especially difficult and expensive.
This survey involves substantial inner-city household interviewing. The interviewing in this survey will be
especially difficult and expensive." This is an example of a(n) _____. 
 

A. empirical argument
B. inductive argument
C.  exposition
D. deductive argument
E.  hypothesis
 
9. _____ is a form of reasoning that draws a conclusion from one or more particular facts or pieces of
evidence. 
 

A. Induction
B. Deduction
C.  Empiricism
D. Logic
E.  Association
 

3-2
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
10. Because of the nature of induction, the conclusion can be thought of as _____. 
 

A. fact
B. one explanation among many
C.  proof
D. evidence
E.  empirical
 
11. Consider the following example: "Retail sales increases in the 2005 holiday season were below projections.
Sales were disappointing because consumers were not confident about economic growth." This is an
example of a(n) _____. 
 

A. inductive argument
B. deductive argument
C.  empirical argument
D. fact
E.  premise
 
12. _____ occurs when we observe a fact and ask, "Why is this?" 
 

A. Deduction
B. Induction
C.  Exposition
D. Empiricism
E.  Curiosity
 
13. _____ is the process by which we test whether a hypothesis is capable of explaining the fact. 
 

A. Deduction
B. Induction
C.  Exposition
D. Empiricism
E.  Curiosity
 
14. Which term below refers to a bundle of meanings or characteristics associated with certain concrete,
unambiguous events, objects, conditions, or situations? 
 

A. Variable
B. Construct
C.  Concept
D. Theory
E.  Model
 

3-3
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
15. A _____ is an image or abstract idea specifically invented for a given research and/or theory-building
purpose. 
 

A. variable
B. construct
C.  concept
D. theory
E.  model
 
16. Automobile is a(n) _____ concept, while service quality is a(n) _____ concept. 
 

A. abstract; objective
B. subjective; objective
C.  intangible; tangible
D. objective; abstract
E.  factual; perceptual
 
17. Abstract concepts such as personality, need for variety, and materialism are often called _____. 
 

A. variables
B. constructs
C.  concepts
D. theories
E.  models
 
18. Concepts are more _____, while constructs are more _____. 
 

A. concrete; abstract
B. abstract; concrete
C.  intangible; tangible
D. conceptual; factual
E.  intuitive; logical
 
19. Jack observes his neighbor's purchase behavior with new automobiles. His neighbor purchases a new car
every year and always seems to have a nicer model than the year before. Jack thinks the dealership must sell
to his neighbor's fascination with new car styles. In this example, interest in new car styles is a _____. 
 

A. construct
B. fact
C.  concept
D. theory
E.  model
 

3-4
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
20. Bill often feels insecure about how others view him. To increase his feelings of self-esteem, Bill often buys
expensive, luxury items. Self-esteem is an example of a _____. 
 

A. construct
B. fact
C.  concept
D. theory
E.  model
 
21. A(n) _____ describes the interrelationships between concepts and constructs. 
 

A. hypothetical construct
B. postulation
C.  conceptual scheme
D. operational definition
E.  inductive argument
 
22. Which term below refers to a construct that is presumed to exist, but can only be inferred from data? 
 

A. Conceptual scheme
B. Hypothetical construct
C.  Operational definition
D. Confounding variable
E.  Extraneous variable
 
23. A customer is defined as a patron and a patron is defined as a client of an establishment. This is an example
of a(n) _____. 
 

A. hypothetical construct
B. conceptual scheme
C.  operational definition
D. dictionary definition
E.  mediating variable
 
24. To be categorized as a customer, an individual must have a history of shopping at the establishment at least
twice prior to the start of the study with expenditures of more than $10. This is an example of a(n) _____. 
 

A. hypothetical construct
B. conceptual scheme
C.  operational definition
D. dictionary definition
E.  mediating variable
 

3-5
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
25. A(n) _____ defines a variable in terms of specific measurement and testing criteria. 
 

A. hypothetical construct
B. operational definition
C.  dictionary definition
D. conceptual scheme
E.  moderating variable
 
26. Which term below refers to an event, act, characteristic, trait, or attribute that can be measured and to which
we assign categorical values? 
 

A. Construct
B. Concept
C.  Variable
D. Schema
E.  Model
 
27. Which of the following can NOT be thought of as variables? 
 

A. Events
B. Acts
C.  Characteristics
D. People
E.  All of the above can be thought of as variables
 
28. James is entering data on client gender. Because the values entered reflect male or female, this variable is
_____. 
 

A. discrete
B. dichotomous
C.  continuous
D. ratio-scaled
E.  metric
 
29. A variable is said to be _____ when it has only two values, reflecting the presence or absence of a property. 
 

A. dichotomous
B. discrete
C.  ratio-scaled
D. metric
E.  continuous
 

3-6
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
30. All of the following are examples of dichotomous variables except _____. 
 

A. employed-unemployed
B. male-female
C.  number of children in the household
D. married-unmarried
E.  all of the above are dichotomous variables
 
31. _____ variables product data that fit into three or more categories with specific assigned values. 
 

A. Dichotomous
B. Discrete
C.  Operational
D. Independent
E.  Continuous
 
32. Jason is using the demographic variables of highest level of educational attainment (high school graduate,
some college, college graduate, graduate school) and ethnicity (Asian, African-American, Caucasian,
Hispanic, other) to describe survey respondents. Both are examples of _____ variables. 
 

A. dichotomous
B. discrete
C.  continuous
D. dependent
E.  mediating
 
33. Variables that may take on values within a given range, or an infinite set are called _____ variables. 
 

A. discrete
B. dichotomous
C.  continuous
D. dependent
E.  mediating
 
34. Which of the following is another term for independent variable? 
 

A. Discrete
B. Criterion
C.  Moderator
D. Predictor
E.  Construct
 

3-7
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
35. Which of the following is another term for dependent variable? 
 

A. Discrete
B. Criterion
C.  Mediator
D. Predictor
E.  Construct
 
36. Rachel is interested in learning the effect of using a celebrity endorsement on sales. The presence or absence
of a celebrity endorsement is the _____ variable. 
 

A. independent
B. dependent
C.  mediating
D. criterion
E.  continuous
 
37. Which variable listed below is the variable manipulated by the researcher, thereby causing an effect on
another variable? 
 

A. Criterion
B. Mediator
C.  Dependent
D. Predictor
E.  Moderator
 
38. Which variable listed below is the variable measured, predicted, or otherwise monitored and expected to be
affected by manipulation of another variable? 
 

A. Criterion
B. Moderator
C.  Independent
D. Predictor
E.  Extraneous
 
39. Variables that are included because they are believed to have a significant contributory or contingent effect
on the IV-DV relationship are called _____ variables. 
 

A. criterion
B. predictor
C.  mediator
D. moderator
E.  extraneous
 

3-8
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
40. A variable that is assumed or excluded from a research study is a(n) _____ variable. 
 

A. criterion
B. predictor
C.  mediator
D. moderator
E.  extraneous
 
41. In the Southeast, the potato chip market share held by the Lays brand is 46%. This is an example of a(n)
_____. 
 

A. research question
B. descriptive hypothesis
C.  relational hypothesis
D. explanatory hypothesis
E.  correlational hypothesis
 
42. Potato chip sales vary directly with the level of television viewing. This is an example of a _____. 
 

A. research question
B. descriptive hypothesis
C.  correlational hypothesis
D. causal hypothesis
E.  dichotomous hypothesis
 
43. An increase in hours of television viewing leads to increases in the sales of snack foods. This is an example
of a _____. 
 

A. research question
B. descriptive hypothesis
C.  correlational hypothesis
D. causal hypothesis
E.  dichotomous hypothesis
 
44. Which of the following is an explanatory hypothesis? 
 

A. Young women purchase fewer meats than women who are 35 years of age or older.
B. Sales of vegetarian foods vary by season.
C.  An increase in family income leads to an increase in the percentage of income spent on housing.
D. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) experienced a record level of profitability in 2004.
E.  People in the South tend to rate the President more favorably than do people in the North.
 

3-9
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
45. Which of the following is a correlational hypothesis? 
 

A. A decrease in the value of the US dollar relative to other currencies leads to an increase in exports.
B. Education on the process of preparing meat for consumption leads to a decrease in the consumption of
hamburgers.
C.  An increase in family income leads to an increase in the percentage of income spent on housing.
D. Low interest rates resulted in a record year for real estate investment trusts (REITs) as individuals
invested in real estate rather than other forms of investment.
E.  People in the South tend to rate the President more favorably than do people in the North.
 
46. Which of the following is NOT one of the conditions necessary for a hypothesis to be considered strong? 
 

A. Adequate for its purpose

B. Addresses the presence of extraneous variables
C.  Testable
D. Better than rival hypotheses
E.  All of the following are necessary conditions
 
47. A _____ is a set of systematically interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that are advanced to
explain or predict phenomena. 
 

A. conceptual scheme
B. hypothesis
C.  theory
D. diagram
E.  factual schema
 
48. Which term listed below refers to a representation of a system constructed to study some aspect of that
system or the system as a whole? 
 

A. Conceptual scheme
B. Hypothesis
C.  Theory
D. Diagram
E.  Model
 
49. The role of a model is to _____ while a theory's role is to _____. 
 

A. represent; explain
B. explain; represent
C.  propose; prove
D. describe; predict
E.  examine; experiment
 

3-10
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
50. Which type of model allows the researcher to visualize numerous variables and relationships? 
 

A. Descriptive
B. Predictive
C.  Normative
D. Correlational
E.  Planning
 
51. A case in research is . . .? 
 

A. an inductive argument

B. a deductive argument
C.  a hypothesis
D. an instance of what is measured in a hypothesis
E.  None of the above
 
52. Which of the following is NOT a condition of sound reasoning? 
 

A. defining the management dilemma

B. identifying correct premises
C.  testing connections between facts and assumptions
D. making claims based on adequate evidence
E.  All of the above
 
 

Essay Questions
 

53. Explain the essential tenets of the scientific method and why this method is important for business research. 
 

3-11
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
54. Explain the meaning of deduction and induction. Provide an argument that exemplifies each form. 
 

 
55. Recently, several states have passed "no texting while driving" laws, believing that texting is a major
influence in the increase in traffic accidents, especially among younger drivers. Explain the meaning of an
operational definition and develop a good operational definition for "texting while driving." Identify the
omissions that would weaken your definition. 
 

 
56. Recently, several studies have sought to measure the extent of binge drinking among college students.
Explain the meaning of an operational definition and develop a good operational definition for binge
drinking. 
 

3-12
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
57. Metro University has set a goal to increase the percentage of alumni who donate to the university and to
increase the average amount given by those who have donated in the past. Metro U hopes that holding
special events at homecoming designed specifically for alums will result in an increase in donations.
Consequently, it is planning a special Alumni Bash for homecoming night and invitations have been sent to
students who graduated between 1975 and 2000. Identify the dependent and independent variables in the
example. State a hypothesis using the information provided. 
 

 
58. What are the basic foundations of scientific attitude and why are these so important to a business
researcher? 
 

3-13
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
 Chapter 03 Thinking Like a Researcher Answer Key

Multiple Choice Questions

 

1. Direct observation of phenomena, empirically testable hypotheses, and the ability to rule out rival
hypotheses are all essential tenets of the _____. 
 

A.  experiential method

B.  scientific method
C.  intuitive process
D.  strategic management process
E.  account planning philosophy
 
Level: Easy
 
2. _____ is said to denote observations and propositions based on sensory experience and/or derived from
such experience by methods of inductive logic. 
 

A.  Empiricism
B.  Scientific management
C.  Exposition
D.  Deduction
E.  Propositional research
 
Level: Moderate
 
3. Which of the following activities can be used to describe the scientific method? 
 

A.  Playing checkers

B.  Watching Jeopardy
C.  Playing chess
D.  Solving puzzles
E.  Investing in stocks
 
Level: Moderate
 

3-14
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
4. The statement, "Sales in Pacific Timber Products have increased in the past six months," is an example
of a(n) _____. 
 

A.  inductive argument

B.  deductive argument
C.  exposition
D.  research question
E.  proposition
 
Level: Difficult
 
5. _____ is a form of argument that purports to be conclusive - the conclusion must necessarily follow from
the reasons given. 
 

A.  Induction
B.  Deduction
C.  Logic
D.  Philosophy
E.  Exposition
 
Level: Easy
 
6. Which form of argument presents a conclusion based on reasons or proof? 
 

A.  Induction
B.  Deduction
C.  Logic
D.  Philosophy
E.  Exposition
 
Level: Moderate
 
7. Which of the following is a requirement for a deduction to be considered correct? 
 

A.  Validit
y
B.  Reliability
C.  Inference
D.  Empiricism
E.  Conclusiveness
 
Level: Moderate
 

3-15
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
8. Consider the following statements: "Inner-city household interviewing is especially difficult and
expensive. This survey involves substantial inner-city household interviewing. The interviewing in this
survey will be especially difficult and expensive." This is an example of a(n) _____. 
 

A.  empirical argument

B.  inductive argument
C.  exposition
D.  deductive argument
E.  hypothesis
 
Level: Moderate
 
9. _____ is a form of reasoning that draws a conclusion from one or more particular facts or pieces of
evidence. 
 

A.  Induction
B.  Deduction
C.  Empiricism
D.  Logic
E.  Association
 
Level: Easy
 
10. Because of the nature of induction, the conclusion can be thought of as _____. 
 

A.  fact
B.  one explanation among many
C.  proof
D.  evidence
E.  empirical
 
Level: Difficult
 
11. Consider the following example: "Retail sales increases in the 2005 holiday season were below
projections. Sales were disappointing because consumers were not confident about economic growth."
This is an example of a(n) _____. 
 

A.  inductive argument

B.  deductive argument
C.  empirical argument
D.  fact
E.  premise
 
Level: Difficult
 

3-16
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
12. _____ occurs when we observe a fact and ask, "Why is this?" 
 

A.  Deduction
B.  Induction
C.  Exposition
D.  Empiricism
E.  Curiosity
 
Level: Moderate
 
13. _____ is the process by which we test whether a hypothesis is capable of explaining the fact. 
 

A.  Deduction
B.  Induction
C.  Exposition
D.  Empiricism
E.  Curiosity
 
Level: Moderate
 
14. Which term below refers to a bundle of meanings or characteristics associated with certain concrete,
unambiguous events, objects, conditions, or situations? 
 

A.  Variable
B.  Construct
C.  Concept
D.  Theory
E.  Model
 
Level: Easy
 
15. A _____ is an image or abstract idea specifically invented for a given research and/or theory-building
purpose. 
 

A.  variable
B.  construct
C.  concept
D.  theory
E.  model
 
Level: Easy
 

3-17
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
16. Automobile is a(n) _____ concept, while service quality is a(n) _____ concept. 
 

A.  abstract; objective

B.  subjective; objective
C.  intangible; tangible
D.  objective; abstract
E.  factual; perceptual
 
Level: Difficult
 
17. Abstract concepts such as personality, need for variety, and materialism are often called _____. 
 

A.  variables
B.  constructs
C.  concepts
D.  theories
E.  models
 
Level: Moderate
 
18. Concepts are more _____, while constructs are more _____. 
 

A.  concrete; abstract

B.  abstract; concrete
C.  intangible; tangible
D.  conceptual; factual
E.  intuitive; logical
 
Level: Difficult
 
19. Jack observes his neighbor's purchase behavior with new automobiles. His neighbor purchases a new car
every year and always seems to have a nicer model than the year before. Jack thinks the dealership must
sell to his neighbor's fascination with new car styles. In this example, interest in new car styles is a
_____. 
 

A.  construct
B.  fact
C.  concept
D.  theory
E.  model
 
Level: Difficult
 

3-18
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
20. Bill often feels insecure about how others view him. To increase his feelings of self-esteem, Bill often
buys expensive, luxury items. Self-esteem is an example of a _____. 
 

A.  construct
B.  fact
C.  concept
D.  theory
E.  model
 
Level: Difficult
 
21. A(n) _____ describes the interrelationships between concepts and constructs. 
 

A.  hypothetical construct

B.  postulation
C.  conceptual scheme
D.  operational definition
E.  inductive argument
 
Level: Easy
 
22. Which term below refers to a construct that is presumed to exist, but can only be inferred from data? 
 

A.  Conceptual scheme

B.  Hypothetical construct
C.  Operational definition
D.  Confounding variable
E.  Extraneous variable
 
Level: Easy
 
23. A customer is defined as a patron and a patron is defined as a client of an establishment. This is an
example of a(n) _____. 
 

A.  hypothetical construct

B.  conceptual scheme
C.  operational definition
D.  dictionary definition
E.  mediating variable
 
Level: Moderate
 

3-19
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
24. To be categorized as a customer, an individual must have a history of shopping at the establishment at
least twice prior to the start of the study with expenditures of more than $10. This is an example of a(n)
_____. 
 

A.  hypothetical construct

B.  conceptual scheme
C.  operational definition
D.  dictionary definition
E.  mediating variable
 
Level: Moderate
 
25. A(n) _____ defines a variable in terms of specific measurement and testing criteria. 
 

A.  hypothetical construct

B.  operational definition
C.  dictionary definition
D.  conceptual scheme
E.  moderating variable
 
Level: Easy
 
26. Which term below refers to an event, act, characteristic, trait, or attribute that can be measured and to
which we assign categorical values? 
 

A.  Construct
B.  Concept
C.  Variable
D.  Schema
E.  Model
 
Level: Easy
 
27. Which of the following can NOT be thought of as variables? 
 

A.  Events
B.  Acts
C.  Characteristics
D.  People
E.  All of the above can be thought of as variables
 
Level: Moderate
 

3-20
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
28. James is entering data on client gender. Because the values entered reflect male or female, this variable is
_____. 
 

A.  discrete
B.  dichotomous
C.  continuous
D.  ratio-scaled
E.  metric
 
Level: Moderate
 
29. A variable is said to be _____ when it has only two values, reflecting the presence or absence of a
property. 
 

A.  dichotomous
B.  discrete
C.  ratio-scaled
D.  metric
E.  continuous
 
Level: Easy
 
30. All of the following are examples of dichotomous variables except _____. 
 

A.  employed-unemployed
B.  male-female
C.  number of children in the household
D.  married-unmarried
E.  all of the above are dichotomous variables
 
Level: Difficult
 
31. _____ variables product data that fit into three or more categories with specific assigned values. 
 

A.  Dichotomous
B.  Discrete
C.  Operational
D.  Independent
E.  Continuous
 
Level: Easy
 

3-21
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
32. Jason is using the demographic variables of highest level of educational attainment (high school
graduate, some college, college graduate, graduate school) and ethnicity (Asian, African-American,
Caucasian, Hispanic, other) to describe survey respondents. Both are examples of _____ variables. 
 

A.  dichotomous
B.  discrete
C.  continuous
D.  dependent
E.  mediating
 
Level: Moderate
 
33. Variables that may take on values within a given range, or an infinite set are called _____ variables. 
 

A.  discrete
B.  dichotomous
C.  continuous
D.  dependent
E.  mediating
 
Level: Easy
 
34. Which of the following is another term for independent variable? 
 

A.  Discrete
B.  Criterion
C.  Moderator
D.  Predictor
E.  Construct
 
Level: Moderate
 
35. Which of the following is another term for dependent variable? 
 

A.  Discrete
B.  Criterion
C.  Mediator
D.  Predictor
E.  Construct
 
Level: Moderate
 

3-22
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
36. Rachel is interested in learning the effect of using a celebrity endorsement on sales. The presence or
absence of a celebrity endorsement is the _____ variable. 
 

A.  independent
B.  dependent
C.  mediating
D.  criterion
E.  continuous
 
Level: Moderate
 
37. Which variable listed below is the variable manipulated by the researcher, thereby causing an effect on
another variable? 
 

A.  Criterion
B.  Mediator
C.  Dependent
D.  Predictor
E.  Moderator
 
Level: Easy
 
38. Which variable listed below is the variable measured, predicted, or otherwise monitored and expected to
be affected by manipulation of another variable? 
 

A.  Criterion
B.  Moderator
C.  Independent
D.  Predictor
E.  Extraneous
 
Level: Easy
 
39. Variables that are included because they are believed to have a significant contributory or contingent
effect on the IV-DV relationship are called _____ variables. 
 

A.  criterion
B.  predictor
C.  mediator
D.  moderator
E.  extraneous
 
Level: Easy
 

3-23
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
40. A variable that is assumed or excluded from a research study is a(n) _____ variable. 
 

A.  criterion
B.  predictor
C.  mediator
D.  moderator
E.  extraneous
 
Level: Easy
 
41. In the Southeast, the potato chip market share held by the Lays brand is 46%. This is an example of a(n)
_____. 
 

A.  research question

B.  descriptive hypothesis
C.  relational hypothesis
D.  explanatory hypothesis
E.  correlational hypothesis
 
Level: Moderate
 
42. Potato chip sales vary directly with the level of television viewing. This is an example of a _____. 
 

A.  research question

B.  descriptive hypothesis
C.  correlational hypothesis
D.  causal hypothesis
E.  dichotomous hypothesis
 
Level: Moderate
 
43. An increase in hours of television viewing leads to increases in the sales of snack foods. This is an
example of a _____. 
 

A.  research question

B.  descriptive hypothesis
C.  correlational hypothesis
D.  causal hypothesis
E.  dichotomous hypothesis
 
Level: Moderate
 

3-24
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
44. Which of the following is an explanatory hypothesis? 
 

A.  Young women purchase fewer meats than women who are 35 years of age or older.
B.  Sales of vegetarian foods vary by season.
C.  An increase in family income leads to an increase in the percentage of income spent on housing.
D.  Real estate investment trusts (REITs) experienced a record level of profitability in 2004.
E.  People in the South tend to rate the President more favorably than do people in the North.
 
Level: Difficult
 
45. Which of the following is a correlational hypothesis? 
 

A.  A decrease in the value of the US dollar relative to other currencies leads to an increase in exports.
B.  Education on the process of preparing meat for consumption leads to a decrease in the consumption
of hamburgers.
C.  An increase in family income leads to an increase in the percentage of income spent on housing.
D.  Low interest rates resulted in a record year for real estate investment trusts (REITs) as individuals
invested in real estate rather than other forms of investment.
E.  People in the South tend to rate the President more favorably than do people in the North.
 
Level: Difficult
 
46. Which of the following is NOT one of the conditions necessary for a hypothesis to be considered
strong? 
 

A.  Adequate for its purpose

B.  Addresses the presence of extraneous variables
C.  Testable
D.  Better than rival hypotheses
E.  All of the following are necessary conditions
 
Level: Moderate
 
47. A _____ is a set of systematically interrelated concepts, definitions, and propositions that are advanced
to explain or predict phenomena. 
 

A.  conceptual scheme

B.  hypothesis
C.  theory
D.  diagram
E.  factual schema
 
Level: Easy
 

3-25
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
48. Which term listed below refers to a representation of a system constructed to study some aspect of that
system or the system as a whole? 
 

A.  Conceptual scheme

B.  Hypothesis
C.  Theory
D.  Diagram
E.  Model
 
Level: Moderate
 
49. The role of a model is to _____ while a theory's role is to _____. 
 

A.  represent; explain

B.  explain; represent
C.  propose; prove
D.  describe; predict
E.  examine; experiment
 
Level: Difficult
 
50. Which type of model allows the researcher to visualize numerous variables and relationships? 
 

A.  Descriptive
B.  Predictive
C.  Normative
D.  Correlational
E.  Planning
 
Level: Easy
 
51. A case in research is . . .? 
 

A.  an inductive argument

B.  a deductive argument
C.  a hypothesis
D.  an instance of what is measured in a hypothesis
E.  None of the above
 
Level: Moderate
 
52. Which of the following is NOT a condition of sound reasoning? 
 

A.  defining the management dilemma

B.  identifying correct premises
C.  testing connections between facts and assumptions
D.  making claims based on adequate evidence
E.  All of the above
 
Level: Moderate

3-26
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
  
 

Essay Questions
 

53. Explain the essential tenets of the scientific method and why this method is important for business
research. 
 

The scientific method is an approach to problem-solving that is based on 1) direct observation of

phenomena, 2) clearly defined variables, 3) empirically tested hypotheses, 4) elimination of rival
hypotheses, 5) statistical justification of conclusions, and 6) a self-correcting process. It is important as a
basis for business research because it ensures that the conclusions we state from research results from
empirical data and that other conclusions have been eliminated through the process.

 
Level: Moderate
 
54. Explain the meaning of deduction and induction. Provide an argument that exemplifies each form. 
 

Deduction is a form of argument that suggests a conclusion from the reasons given. The reasons imply
the conclusion. A deduction is valid if it is impossible for the conclusion to be false if the premises are
true. Consider the following example.

• Nordstrom employees receive a discount on all clothing purchases made at any Nordstrom store.
• Sarah is an employee at the Nordstrom store in Thousand Oaks, California.
• Sarah will receive a discount at any Nordstrom store.

Induction is different from deduction in that it draws a conclusion from one or more facts. However,
other conclusions could be drawn from the facts. For example, Burger King was featured on an episode
of the Apprentice. Sales figures increased in the two weeks immediately following the episode. The
conclusion is that the brand placement resulted in the increase in sales. While this conclusion is possible,
other explanations have not been eliminated.

 
Level: Difficult
 

3-27
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
55. Recently, several states have passed "no texting while driving" laws, believing that texting is a major
influence in the increase in traffic accidents, especially among younger drivers. Explain the meaning of
an operational definition and develop a good operational definition for "texting while driving." Identify
the omissions that would weaken your definition. 
 

An operational definition is one that defines a variable in terms of specific measurement and testing
criteria. Texting while driving can mean different things to different people. The use of an operational
definition will ensure that the measurement is consistent. An example of an operational definition of
texting while driving is "any use of a smart phone to read a received text or send a text while behind the
wheel of a car that is turned on, regardless of whether that car is moving." A poor definition of texting
while driving would fail to define ‘driving' and whether the person texting is sending or
receiving/reading a text.

 
Level: Moderate
 
56. Recently, several studies have sought to measure the extent of binge drinking among college students.
Explain the meaning of an operational definition and develop a good operational definition for binge
drinking. 
 

An operational definition is one that defines a variable in terms of specific measurement and testing
criteria. Binge drinking can mean different things to different people. The use of an operational
definition will ensure that the measurement is consistent. An example of an operational definition of
binge drinking is the consumption of 4 or more 12 ounce beers in a 2 hour period of time or the
consumption of 3 or more 4 ounce glasses of wine in a 2 hour period of time. A poor definition of binge
drinking would be the consumption of 4 drinks in an evening. This definition is poor because the amount
or type of alcohol in 4 drinks could be inconsistent from person to person as is the amount of time
covered in "an evening."

 
Level: Moderate
 
57. Metro University has set a goal to increase the percentage of alumni who donate to the university and to
increase the average amount given by those who have donated in the past. Metro U hopes that holding
special events at homecoming designed specifically for alums will result in an increase in donations.
Consequently, it is planning a special Alumni Bash for homecoming night and invitations have been sent
to students who graduated between 1975 and 2000. Identify the dependent and independent variables in
the example. State a hypothesis using the information provided. 
 

The dependent variable is alumni donations (percentage change in alumni who donate and dollar change
in the amount given). The independent variable is the use of special events for alumni. A possible
hypothesis is: Alumni who attend the special events are more likely to donate and donate at a higher
level than those who do not attend the events.

 
Level: Difficult
 

3-28
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.
58. What are the basic foundations of scientific attitude and why are these so important to a business
researcher? 
 

The basics of scientific attitude are imagination, intuition, curiosity, suspicion, anguish, the rage to
know, and self-doubt. Each of these is important to the researcher in its own way. Without curiosity, the
researcher would accept common rules-of-thumb. Intuition makes the researcher challenge accepted
practice. Suspicion encourages the researcher to look of alternative explanations rather than accept what
has been accepted in the past. Anguish encourages the researcher to search for understanding. The rage
to know drives excellence in research, both in methodology and in execution of that methodology. And
self-doubt makes it impossible for the researcher to rest on past laurels.

 
Level: Difficult
 

3-29
Copyright © 2014 McGraw-Hill Education. All rights reserved. No reproduction or distribution without the prior written consent of
McGraw-Hill Education.