PRSA APR exam questions and
answers
Universe - ANSWERS The number of possible respondents available to draw
survey sample from
Representative sample - ANSWERS Number needed to be representative of the
universe. Any universe that is 100,000 or more requires a sample of 384
10-K - ANSWERS Annual Report must file 60 days after close of companies fiscal
year
10-Q - ANSWERS Quarterly financial Report containing unaudited data-filed 35
days after close of first three fiscal quarters
95% Confidence level - ANSWERS 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 - ANSWERS 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 - ANSWERS 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) - ANSWERS 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 - ANSWERS Survey that is taken of a large target audience
prior to a campaign. Research after campaign can be measured against this
Cluster Sample - ANSWERS People who are grouped or clustered by something
they have in common
Content analysis - ANSWERS 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 - ANSWERS One-on-one interviews with key respondents
Focus group - ANSWERS Informal give-and-take sessions in a controlled
environment with a small group of people.(Qualitative)
Formal methods - ANSWERS Research that includes the systematic gathering of
scientifically measurable data from representative. samples. Mail survey,
telephone survey (Quantitative)
, Informal methods - ANSWERS Exploratory research that is not gathered from
scientifically represented samples (focus groups, key influencers,
letters/complaints received
Regulation Fair Disclosure (2000) - ANSWERS all publicly traded companies
disclose material information to all investors at the same time (at all levels)
Insider Trading Study (1963) - ANSWERS Encourages timely disclosure of
"material information"
Rule 5c (Security Act of 1933) - ANSWERS 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) - ANSWERS 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 - ANSWERS "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." - ANSWERS
answers
Universe - ANSWERS The number of possible respondents available to draw
survey sample from
Representative sample - ANSWERS Number needed to be representative of the
universe. Any universe that is 100,000 or more requires a sample of 384
10-K - ANSWERS Annual Report must file 60 days after close of companies fiscal
year
10-Q - ANSWERS Quarterly financial Report containing unaudited data-filed 35
days after close of first three fiscal quarters
95% Confidence level - ANSWERS 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 - ANSWERS 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 - ANSWERS 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) - ANSWERS 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 - ANSWERS Survey that is taken of a large target audience
prior to a campaign. Research after campaign can be measured against this
Cluster Sample - ANSWERS People who are grouped or clustered by something
they have in common
Content analysis - ANSWERS 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 - ANSWERS One-on-one interviews with key respondents
Focus group - ANSWERS Informal give-and-take sessions in a controlled
environment with a small group of people.(Qualitative)
Formal methods - ANSWERS Research that includes the systematic gathering of
scientifically measurable data from representative. samples. Mail survey,
telephone survey (Quantitative)
, Informal methods - ANSWERS Exploratory research that is not gathered from
scientifically represented samples (focus groups, key influencers,
letters/complaints received
Regulation Fair Disclosure (2000) - ANSWERS all publicly traded companies
disclose material information to all investors at the same time (at all levels)
Insider Trading Study (1963) - ANSWERS Encourages timely disclosure of
"material information"
Rule 5c (Security Act of 1933) - ANSWERS 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) - ANSWERS 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 - ANSWERS "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." - ANSWERS
