Introduction to Business Research

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering basic definitions, scientific method characteristics, research objectives, and the building blocks of business research as presented in Chapter 1.

Research (Oxford English Dictionary)

The systematic investigation into and study of materials, sources, etc., in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

Scientific Method

A standardized set of techniques for building scientific knowledge, such as how to make valid observations, how to interpret results, and how to generalize those results.

Science (Marcyzk, DeMatteo, and Festinger definition)

The methodological and systematic approach to acquisition of new knowledge.

Objectivity

A characteristic of the scientific method where conclusions drawn from the analysis of data must be based on facts and be free from bias.

Rigor

Rigorous reasoning based on interactions among theories, methods, and findings.

Testability

The analysis of a performance parameter against the design parameter within the scientific method.

Reliability

A state where the same relationship stands repeatedly under the same design parameters.

Accuracy

The closeness of the research findings to reality.

Confidence

The probability that estimations made during research are correct.

Generalizability

The degree to which you can apply the results of your study to a broader context, most people, and most of the time.

Thrift (cost-effective)

Simplicity in explaining phenomena or problems, ensuring facts are straightforward and dependent variables are minimized.

Exploratory research studies

Research conducted to gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it.

Descriptive research studies

Studies designed to portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation, or group.

Diagnostic research studies

Research aimed at determining the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else.

Hypothesis-testing research studies

Research designed to test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables.

Research Methodology

The science of understanding how research is performed methodically, comprising the entire strategy towards achievement of an objective.

Research Methods

The tools, techniques, or processes researchers use in performing research operations, such as collection and analysis of information.

Basic Research

Research conducted with the main purpose of expanding the limits of knowledge that is not directly involved in the solution of a pragmatic problem.

Applied Research

Research conducted with the main purpose of providing information necessary to solve a specific real-life problem or to make decisions about particular courses of action.

Business Research

The systematic and objective process of gathering, recording, and analyzing data for aid in making business decisions.

Data

The measurements of phenomena, such as sales statistics of a department store.

Information

The determination of relationships amongst data with a view to facilitating understanding of phenomena and decision-making.

Knowledge

A blend of information, experience, and insights that provides a framework for evaluating new information or relevant situations.

Evaluation Research

The formal objective measurement and evaluation of the extent to which an activity, project, or program has achieved its goal.

Performance-monitoring research

A type of evaluation research that measures the extent to which on-going activities, projects, or programs are meeting their goals.