SONA Alternatives | Koraleski CAB Lab | University of Nebraska Omaha

University of Nebraska at Omaha

College of Business Administration Koraleski CAB Lab

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SONA for CABLab

Alternatives

Research Briefs

If you are having trouble finding studies in which to participate in or have completed all available studies, we encourage you to fulfill your remaining research experience requirements by preparing research briefs.

Summary

One unit of research participation is awarded for a written research brief (e.g., two research briefs are equivalent to two units of research participation). When completing this assignment, anticipate spending approximately one hour reading and writing a brief that compares two specific theories/concepts related to the course you are taking.

All research briefs are graded during the last week of each semester. While we will gladly accept research briefs throughout the semester, your account will not be credited until the end of the semester due to the grading procedure.

Sources for these assignments are available via the electronic journals link on the Criss Library website. If necessary, librarians and support staff are available at the Criss Library help desk to guide you in using electronic journals. Alternatively, contact the library help desk at 402.554.3206.

The Assignment

Select two specific theories/concepts covered in your class or emphasized by your textbook author. For each theory/concept:

Summarize the basic assumptions proposed by the theory (e.g., what is the causal path? How does this theory explain questions regarding marketing/management?). Examples are often useful in illustrating the theory's connection to actual business practice.

Describe the similarities you think these theories share (e.g., do they incorporate similar concepts? Have similar times of origin?). Note: Ensure you provide adequate comparisons/contrasts. Stating that “they both explain marketing/management” is NOT a sufficient example.

Highlight the differences between the theories (e.g., do they explain different business concepts? Are they better or worse at explaining consumer behavior, management strategy, etc.?).

Finally, explain which theory you believe is superior, providing support for your argument (e.g., better evidence; ability to answer more questions).

Assignment Requirements

The brief should be a minimum of 3 pages, single-spaced. Reference both your textbook and ideas presented in class to support your arguments. You are also required to use outside sources to supplement your paper; please provide references at the conclusion of your paper.

The body of the report should indicate the student’s name, ID number, and the class for which the paper is submitted for to receive RPP credit. The report must be typed (12-point font with standard 1-inch margins) and submitted electronically. To do this, email a copy of your summary to muntahabanihani@unomaha.edu (acceptable formats include: .docx; .doc; or .pdf).

This file must be named: last name, first initial, middle initial, and the number of alternative research papers that the document represents (e.g., Jane Marie Doe’s file would be named doejm1).

Contact the CAB Lab (unocablab@unomaha.edu) or Dr. Muntaha Bani Hani (muntahabanihani@unomaha.edu) for any further questions or issues.