Doing the Research

Section 6.1: Research in Your Personal Life

Taking Charge: Chapter 6

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Consumer ResearchA wise consumer will do research before a

purchaseEnormous amounts of up-to-date

information are availableInternetPrint adsConsumer reviews

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Organization Having an organized system will help you

stay focused and keep you from feeling overwhelmed when making a major purchase

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Manageable Pieces Make a spreadsheet

BrandsPriceStores

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Concentric Circle MethodBegin with manufacturer’s Web siteWiden the circle to product reviews on the

brand you likedAsk your questions to someone who has

purchased the product

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AnalyzingNarrow down your favorite choices by:

Analyzing your informationChecking pricesRebatesUpgrades

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Analyzing (cont.)Remember:

UpgradesRebatesPrice comparisons

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Beyond BuyingResearch can help in other areas:

Law-related questionsMedical questionsCost of living, crime rates and quality of life

in various citiesInvestment advice

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Further ReflectionHave you purchased items that were

considered big expenditures? Did you conduct thorough research?

Do you possess a skill set for researching? How can you improve that set?

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Additional Resources

Links to Research Sites http://library.pba.edu/Research_Websites.htm

More Online Research Resources http://www.sunysb.edu/library/eresources/www.html

Determining Validity of Web Sites http://www.vts.intute.ac.uk/detective/

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