GENG005 Writing Skills Lecture 1 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of academic research as indicated in the content?

To develop technological innovations

To analyze historical events

To answer scientific questions (correct)

To evaluate educational policies

Which research method is indicated to be used before the actual scientific inquiry?

Case studies

A comprehensive literature review (correct)

Experimental trials

Qualitative interviews

In what context is standardized testing mentioned?

To assess secondary education effectiveness

To compare international educational standards

To gauge public school performance in primary education (correct)

To review test formats in higher education

What theoretical framework underpins the research objectives stated?

Central principles and theories (B) Signup and view all the answers

What factors might lead to a change in the current situation?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a product's role in performing a task?

To provide necessary resources (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of available products in service delivery?

To enhance user experience and efficiency (D) Signup and view all the answers

How can services benefit from product integration?

By providing comprehensive solutions (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is not an expected outcome of product utilization in services?

Total elimination of service failures (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily assessed by personnel regarding a product or service?

Its compatibility with existing systems (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why do personnel consider the effectiveness of a product or service?

To decide on necessary improvements for its implementation (B) Signup and view all the answers

How might personnel perceive the introduction of a new product?

As a potential threat to existing workflows (A) Signup and view all the answers

What factor often influences personnel's opinion on a product's fit within an organization?

The perceived return on investment (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common concern for personnel when considering a new service?

The duration of training needed for staff (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of academic research?

To answer scholarly questions (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key component of the research process?

Planning for the research process (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of research involves the collection and analysis of existing information?

Secondary research (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized to ensure credibility in technical writing?

Ensuring accuracy and credibility (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes experimental primary research?

Research that requires hypothesis testing and data collection (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental question that academic research might seek to answer?

To what extent do standardized tests contribute to school success? (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is choosing appropriate research methods vital?

To enhance data collection efficiency (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT part of the research process outlined?

Engaging in public speaking (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is being assessed when discussing a product or service recommended by experts?

Expert recommendations (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern for stakeholders regarding a proposed product or service?

Stakeholder interests (B) Signup and view all the answers

How should a company evaluate the performance of its products or services?

Through customer performance metrics (D) Signup and view all the answers

What factors are typically considered by experts when recommending a product or service?

Quality, cost, and user experience (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role do stakeholder opinions play in assessing a new product or service?

They influence product design (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which step involves identifying the audience for the research results?

Analyze the audience (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus during the 'analyzing the purpose' step in research planning?

Understand the goals of the research (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which research method is most suitable for assessing a product's reliability?

Secondary research (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should be the focus when creating questions for a research document?

Identify what information is needed (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a recommended type of document for long-term predictions?

Journal and magazine articles (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which step of the research planning process entails laying out timeframes and allocated resources?

Work out a schedule and budget (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in devising a research plan?

Analyze the audience (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the process of determining needed information?

It involves creating a list of essential data (B) Signup and view all the answers

When selecting a research method, why is it important to consider research needs?

To ensure diverse research questions are addressed (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of evaluation method is used for assessing product performance?

Product demonstrations (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following questions is a type of research question?

What is the theory behind a processor technique? (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which option is an appropriate consideration when analyzing the subject of research?

Understand the relevant background and context (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a part of the research planning process?

Analyzing the outcomes of previous research (C) Signup and view all the answers

What factor should be included when considering the document type for research?

The accessibility of the document (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course: GENG005 Writing & Presentation Skills - Part 2
Lecture: 1 - Research and Information Gathering
Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024

Educational Objectives

Utilize effective research methods for content generation
Ensure accuracy and credibility in technical writing

Outline

Understanding the Research Process
Planning for the Research Process
Researching a topic
Choosing Appropriate Research Methods
Conducting Secondary Research
Conducting Primary Research
Conducting Experimental Primary Research

Understanding the Research Process - Research Goals

Academic research: Aims to answer scholarly questions
- Example Questions:
  - To what extent do standardized tests contribute to the success of public elementary schools?
  - What effects do violent media have on teenagers?
- Focus: Abstract principles and theories
- Methodology: Extensive secondary research (literature review) before primary research.
Workplace research: Aims to solve practical problems
- Example Questions:
  - Should sales staff's notebook computers be replaced with tablets?
  - What are the pros and cons of adopting a European-style privacy policy?
- Focus: Improving organizational processes and stakeholder needs
- Methodology: Significant primary research

Academic vs. Workplace Research

Academic Research:
- Nature of Questions: Abstract and theoretical
- Research Type: Primarily secondary research
- Outcome Focus: Understanding principles
Workplace Research:
- Nature of Questions: Practical and situational
- Research Type: Primarily primary research
- Outcome Focus: Improving organizational effectiveness

Planning for the Research Process

Eight steps in developing a research plan:
- Analyze the audience
- Analyze the purpose
- Analyze the subject
- Consider the document type
- Work out a schedule and budget
- Determine needed information for the document
- Determine information to acquire
- Create questions to answer in the document

Choosing Appropriate Research Methods

Question-Based Research Methods: Diverse needs require distinct research methods
- Example Methods:
  - Long-Term Predictions: Consider journals, magazines, reputable websites, and blogs for future changes (e.g., outsourcing in computer support)
  - Product Evaluation: Consider secondary research, vendor site observations, product demonstrations, colleague interviews, and experimental comparisons for assessing specific product performance (e.g., scanner reliability)

Research Question Types

Examples of research questions:
- What is the theory behind a process or technique?
- What is the history of a phenomenon? (e.g. social media)
- How is the current situation expected to change?
- What products are available to perform a task or provide a service?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of competing products and services?
- Which product or service do experts recommend?
- What do stakeholders think about a current or proposed product or service?
- What are the facts about how jobs are done at a company?
- What can be learned about what caused a problem in an organization?
- What do personnel in a company think should be done about a situation?
- How well would a product or service work in an organization or an institution?

Conducting Secondary Research

Objective: Gather insights from experts and scientists
Goal: Acquire the best available information (accurate, unbiased, comprehensive, and current)
Resources:
- Library: Specialized handbooks and subscription services
- Online Research: Using the web for information gathering
- Organizational Information Centers: Internal libraries for critical data for operations
- Specialists: For research inquiries and data retrieval

Understanding Research Tools

Library Catalogs: Electronic records of physical holdings (books, journals, reports, audio, and video)
Tips: Limit searches, use punctuation and logical operators (AND, OR, NOT), to find relevant information
Online Databases: Access to full-text articles and documents (e.g., ProQuest)
Al-based tools: Designed to enhance research resources

Conducting Primary Research

Objective: Answering research questions
Goal: Obtaining new, accurate, credible, reliable, and unbiased information accepted by the scientific community
Major Categories:
- Data Analysis
- Observations and Demonstrations
- Inspections
- Experiments
- Field Research
- Interviews
- Inquiries
- Questionnaires

Conducting Experimental Primary Research

Experimental Research Phases:
- Establishing a hypothesis
- Testing the hypothesis
- Analyzing the data
- Reporting the data

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Description

Test your knowledge on research methods and information gathering with this quiz. Focused on the research process, it covers topics such as secondary and primary research methodologies. Assess your understanding of how to ensure accuracy and credibility in technical writing.