ACCA Performance Management (F5) Certification Practice Exam

What distinguishes field research?

1. Information collected from secondary sources

2. Information sourced from direct engagement with targeted groups

3. Information compiled from publicly available databases

4. Information that is theoretical in nature

The correct answer is: Information sourced from direct engagement with targeted groups

Field research is characterized by the collection of information through direct engagement with targeted groups or individuals in their natural environment. This approach often involves qualitative methods such as interviews, surveys, or observations, allowing researchers to gather firsthand insights and experiences from participants. The immediacy and relevance of the data collected from participants in real-world settings provide a depth of understanding that is essential for many types of analyses, particularly in performance management and social sciences. In contrast, the other options involve different methodologies. Relying solely on secondary sources denotes the use of existing data or information that has already been collected and analyzed by others, which does not involve direct interaction with the subjects of interest. Publicly available databases provide structured data that might lack the context or nuances obtained through direct engagement. Theoretical information, while valuable for understanding concepts and frameworks, does not emanate from practical, real-world interactions, which is a fundamental aspect of field research. Hence, the engagement with targeted groups is what fundamentally differentiates field research from these other data collection methods.