PPT Module 22 Finding Analyzing and Documenting Information

PPT Module 22 Finding, Analyzing, and Documenting Information Mc. Graw-Hill/Irwin © 2007, The Mc. Graw-Hill Companies, All Rights Reserved.

22 -1 Finding, Analyzing, and Documenting Information ¨To learn how to § Find information online and in print. § Write questions for surveys and interviews. § Analyze information. § Use the Internet for research.

22 -2 Proposals and Progress Reports Start by answering these questions: § How can I find information online and in print? § How do I write questions for surveys and interviews? § How do I decide whom to survey or interview? § How should I analyze the information I’ve collected? § How should I document sources?

22 -3 Types of Research ¨ Primary § Gathers new information. § Includes surveys, interviews, and observations. ¨ Secondary § Retrieves published information. § Includes library research and online searches.

22 -4 Electronic Research Sources ¨Databases § Black Studies on Disc § Handbook of Latin American Studies § LEXIS/NEXIS Services § Newspaper Abstracts § Peterson’s College Database § Women’s Resources International

22 -5 Web Research Sources ¨Britannica Online ¨Business Week (Online) ¨International Business Kiosk ¨The WWW Virtual Library ¨U. S. Census (Online)

22 -6 Print Research Sources ¨Indexes § Business Periodicals Index ¨Facts, Figures, and Forecasts § Moody’s Manuals ¨U. S. Census Reports § Census of Manufacturers ¨International Business & Government § Dun and Bradstreet’s Principal International Businesses

22 -7 Surveys and Interviews ¨ Surveys question many people. ¨ Interviews are structured conversations with someone. ¨ When asking questions § Use phrasing that doesn’t bias the response. § Avoid questions that make assumptions about your audience. § Use words that mean the same thing to you and your audience.

22 -8 Types of Questions ¨Open § Do not lock the subject into any sort of response. · How could we improve service to you? ¨Closed § Have a limited number of possible responses. · What is your date of birth? ¨Branching § Direct different respondents to a different part of the questionnaire.

22 -9 Types of Samples ¨Random § Each person in a population has an equal chance of being selected. ¨Convenience § Respondents are easy to get. ¨Judgment § Respondents have views which seem useful.

22 -10 After You Collect Data ¨Understand the source of the data. ¨Analyze numbers. ¨Analyze words. ¨Check your logic. ¨Document sources. § Use MLA or APA Format.