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Finding, Evaluating, and Processing Information

Finding, Evaluating, and Processing Information. The Research Process. Plan your research Locate data and information Process data and information Apply your findings Manage information. Plan Your Research. Learn about the subject Identify information gaps Prioritize research needs.

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Finding, Evaluating, and Processing Information

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  1. Finding, Evaluating, and Processing Information Business Communication Today 8e

  2. The Research Process • Plan your research • Locate data and information • Process data and information • Apply your findings • Manage information Business Communication Today 8e

  3. Plan Your Research • Learn about the subject • Identify information gaps • Prioritize research needs Business Communication Today 8e

  4. Ethics and Etiquette in Business Research • Don’t skew results • Respect privacy of participants • Document sources • Respect intellectual property • Don’t misquote Business Communication Today 8e

  5. Learn About the Subject • Industry publications • Competitor’s websites • Interviews with Experts Business Communication Today 8e

  6. Information Gap Analysis • Clarify the decision or conclusion • Identify subquestions • Clarify information requirements • Locate existing information • Assess the information gap Business Communication Today 8e

  7. Data and Information • Secondary research • Primary research Business Communication Today 8e

  8. Honesty and Reliability Potential Bias Purpose of the Material The Author Data Collection Methods Independent Verification Timeliness Completeness Logic and Good Sense Evaluating Sources Business Communication Today 8e

  9. Secondary Research • A specific company • An entire industry • Statistics and trends • Business issues Business Communication Today 8e

  10. Business Books Electronic Databases Newspapers Periodicals Directories Almanacs Statistical Resources Government Publications Finding Information at the Library Business Communication Today 8e

  11. Online Information • Internet public library • Company websites Business Communication Today 8e

  12. Internet Search Tools • Search engines • Web directories • Online databases • Meta-search engines Business Communication Today 8e

  13. Search Techniques • Keywords • Boolean operators • Natural language • Forms-based Business Communication Today 8e

  14. Fine Tune Search Methods • Read instructions • Review your options • Adjust search scope • Understand details • Vary search terms • Employ search agents Business Communication Today 8e

  15. Documenting Sources • Credit sources • Build credibility • Help your readers Business Communication Today 8e

  16. Primary Information • Surveys • Interviews • Experiments • observations Business Communication Today 8e

  17. Survey Questions • Ask easy-to-analyze questions • Avoid leading questions • Ask one question at a time • Pretest all questionnaires Business Communication Today 8e

  18. Effective Interviews • Purpose • Collect information • Make decisions • Clarify issues • Structure • Overall length • Stylistic issues • Organization Business Communication Today 8e

  19. Types of Questions • Close-ended • Restatement • Direct open-ended • Open-ended Business Communication Today 8e

  20. Preparing Questions • Think about sequence • Rate the questions • Ask smart questions • Mix types of questions • Limit the number • Edit questions Business Communication Today 8e

  21. Processing Interview Information • Quoting • Paraphrasing • Summarizing Business Communication Today 8e

  22. Analyzing the Data • Mean, median, and mode • Overall trends • Cause and correlation • Cross-tabulation Business Communication Today 8e

  23. Minimize Mistakes and Misinterpretations • Avoid faulty comparisons • Don’t push research results • Avoid misleading presentations Business Communication Today 8e

  24. Applying Your Findings • Unbiased summary • Logical conclusion • Feasible recommendations Business Communication Today 8e

  25. Knowledge Management • Information • Insights • Experiences • Research Business Communication Today 8e

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