Chapter 4 – Defining the Research Problem

1. Once we have identified the management problem, it needs to be narrowed down to a researchable topic for study.

a. T

b. F

2. Secondary data refers to information that the researcher gathers first hand through instruments such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or observation.

a. T

b. F

3. What is wrong with a problem definition that is ‘biased’?

a. The research problem is too broad.

b. The problem is not specific and clear.

c. The problem definition reflects the opinion of the researcher.

d. The problem definition lacks focus.

4. A first review of the literature simplifies the process of defining the research problem.

a. T

b. F

5. A good research problem includes both a statement of the research objective(s) and the research question(s).

a. T

b. F

6. Familiarity with the literature is only beneficial in an academic context.

a. T

b. F

7. A well-defined management problem provides the foundation for:

a. the development of the research proposal.

b. a thorough research design.

c. a critical review of the literature.

d. defining the research problem.

8. A feasible topic for research is specific and focused.

a. T

b. F

9. A frequent problem in terms of feasibility is that the research problem is too narrow in scope.

a. T

b. F

10. A problem statement is a clear, precise, and succinct statement of the specific issue that a researcher wishes to investigate.

a. T

b. F

11. There are three key criteria to assess the quality of the problem statement: it should be parsimonious, feasible, and testable.

a. T

b. F

12. A “problem” can be defined as any situation where a gap exists between the actual and the desired ideal states.

a. T

b. F

13. From an academic perspective research is relevant if nothing is known about a topic.

a. T

b. F

14. The research objective and the research questions are strongly related.

a. T

b. F

15. The purpose or objective of the study thus explains how the study is being done.

a. T

b. F

16. The research objective is the translation of the problem of the organization into a specific need for information.

a. T

b. F

17. The statement of the research objective(s) should be brief, but nonetheless communicate clearly the focus of the project.

a. T

b. F

18. A problem statement addresses both the “why” (the specific aim or purpose of the study) and the “what” (the central research question or a set of research questions) of the research.

a. T

b. F