Chapter 2 – Discussion Question #1
As in other aspects of business, all parties in research should exhibit ethical behavior. Ethics are norms or standards of behavior that guide moral choices about our behavior and our relationships with others (Cooper & Schindler, 2011).
The most prudent decisions that she can make about her responsibilities to herself and others is to turn it so she does not violate her firms Business Conduct Guidelines. This would also help her not violate the Professional Code of Ethics. She would also not be receiving ethically conducted and reported research.
The implications of her decision even if there is no violation of the law or regulation could get her dismissed from her job because of her newly imposed conduct guidelines. She is also violating privacy rights of those who participated in the survey. If she were to keep this information, it could lead to many issues with her competitor and end up in a legal battle over these results.
Chapter 6 – Discussion Question #1-5
1. Distinguish between the following:
a. Exploratory and Formal Studies: The essential distinctions between these two options are the degree of structure and the immediate objective of the study. Exploratory studies tend toward loose structures with the objective of discovering future research tasks. The immediate purpose of exploration is usually to develop hypotheses or questions for further research. The formal study begins where the exploration leaves off—it begins with a hypothesis or research question and involves precise procedures and data source specifications (Cooper & Schindler, 2011).
b. Experimental and ex post facto research designs: In an experiment, the researcher attempts to control and/or manipulate the variables in the study. It is enough that we can cause variables to be changed or held constant in keeping with our research objectives. Experimental design is appropriate when
References: Cooper, D. R. & Schindler, P. S. (2011). Business research methods (11th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin.