Universe
The number of possible respondents available to draw survey sample from
Representative sample
Number needed to be representative of the universe. Any universe that is 100,000 or
more requires a sample of 384
10-K
Annual Report must file 60 days after close of companies fiscal year
10-Q
Quarterly financial Report containing unaudited data-filed 35 days after close of first
three fiscal quarters
95% Confidence level
If the same survey were given repeatedly 95% of the time the results would be the
same, falling within the same margin of error
8-K
information that needs to be public documented through the SEC-a news release can
be qualified. Can triggered by a reporter questions for information that has not been
issued publicly. Publically traded organization and/or regulated. Mnemonic: "kant" wait-
information
Margin of error
The range, plus or minus, within which results can vary (the larger the sample the lower
the margin of error)
Proxy Statement (Form Def 14A)
invitation or agenda at for shareholders to advertise the annual meeting. Can cover-
proposals for new board members, directors or executives' salaries, bonus and option
plans for directors, and declarations by company management.
Benchmark Survey
Survey that is taken of a large target audience prior to a campaign. Research after
campaign can be measured against this
Cluster Sample
People who are grouped or clustered by something they have in common
Content analysis
Study of publications, print and electronic media reports to measure and evaluate news
coverage of an organization, its people or activities. Attempt to objectively code and
describe the content of communication.
Depth interviews
One-on-one interviews with key respondents
Focus group
Informal give-and-take sessions in a controlled environment with a small group of
people.(Qualitative)
Formal methods
Research that includes the systematic gathering of scientifically measurable data from
representative. samples. Mail survey, telephone survey (Quantitative)
Informal methods
, Exploratory research that is not gathered from scientifically represented samples (focus
groups, key influencers, letters/complaints received
Regulation Fair Disclosure (2000)
all publicly traded companies disclose material information to all investors at the same
time (at all levels)
Insider Trading Study (1963)
Encourages timely disclosure of "material information"
Rule 5c (Security Act of 1933)
Gag period-registration of securities and led to embargo of publicity materials during a
specific timeframe (90 days from registration becomes effective) Think-high 5 for
keeping your mouth shut ;)
Sarbanes Oxley (2002)
Corporate auditing accountability, responsibility, and transparency. mandated a number
of reforms to enhance corporate responsibility, enhance financial disclosures and
combat corporate and accounting fraud, and created the "Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board," to oversee the activities of the auditing profession. Think Oxley-
sounds like Auditing/Accounting Fraud
Securities Act of 1933
"1. require that investors receive financial and other significant information concerning
securities being offered for public sale; and
2. prohibit deceit, misrepresentations, and other fraud in the sale of securities.
Mnemonic-1933-investors need info before they can public sale-no lying of
fraud."
Section 14 of Act of 1934
Solicitation of proxies between official statement and annual meeting. Mnemonic -14
goes with 34 (send proxies to all 14 shareholders?)
Lobbying act of 1913
Lobbyists must register with the clerk of the house or secretary of the senate between
the first and 10th day of the quarter-includes $ received, names of publications that they
published articles/editorials. Violation=$5,000 fine and up to 12 months imprisonment
Anti-Trust
Sherman/Clayton Act- Illegal to engage in activity that ruins competition. Think Anti-
trust=Anti-competition
Securities Act of 1934
Created the SEC and gives them the power to register, regulate, and oversee
brokerage firms, transfer agents, and clearing agencies as well as the nation's securities
self regulatory organizations (SROs) and various stock exchanges.Think-SEC can
RROA Register-Regulate-Oversee Agencies/Agents
Intercept Interviews
Interviews conducted by stopping respondents in a public place, such as a shopping
mall
Registering as a foreign agent
If you represent a foreign government you must register under US government-
Originated with Carl Byoir and when he represented the Nazi's
Formal Research Examples
Systematic formal questionnaires, "statistically representative"