1. Getting Started Requires Researching Background Information

Before you begin to compose a message, you should conduct research to collect the necessary information. To avoid frustration and inaccurate messages, be sure to consider the receiver's position.

Which questions should you ask yourself before determining what and how to research? Check all that apply.

A) What is the receiver to do after reading the message?

B) Should I use formal headings?

C) What does the receiver need to know about this topic?

D) Will the receiver like the template I plan to use?

In order to effectively target your research efforts, evaluate the purpose of the message and the amount of existing knowledge you have before deciding whether to take an informal or formal research approach.

Read the scenario, and then answer the question.

The market analyst of a chain megastore bakery called More Dough asks you to find out why people are choosing to go to smaller bakeries rather than their megastore in the same area. She asks you to visit the smaller bakeries and observe the consumers and owners. After you observe and gather data, you are to bring your findings to a group of researchers who will establish controlled variables and conduct a series of experiments.

What research method did you use in this situation?

A) Formal research

B) Informal research

Read the following scenario, and then determine which is the best research approach.

You have been asked to organize the sixth annual corporate bowling party and send out the e-mail invitation to your coworkers.

Which is the best research approach?

A) Go to the local library and use an online research database to determine the rules and history of the sport of bowling.

B) Look at past flyers for this event, ask coworkers what kind of food they would like to have at the party, and ask which bowling alley they prefer.

C) Conduct a survey of all companies in your area that have held corporate bowling parties, interview the party planners, and make site visits to each bowling alley to test its product.