What type of evidence supports a decision-making process in business research?

Statistical data and analysis serve as the foundation for informed decision-making in business research. This type of evidence provides objective, quantifiable information that can be systematically analyzed to identify trends, correlations, and causal relationships. By relying on statistical data, businesses can validate assumptions, test hypotheses, and draw conclusions based on concrete evidence rather than personal biases or anecdotal experiences.

Quantitative analysis helps in measuring performance metrics, forecasting future outcomes, and making comparisons that are essential for strategic planning. This evidence-based approach reduces uncertainty and enhances the credibility of decisions made within an organization.

In contrast, subjective opinions from management, informal discussions among team members, and historical performance assessments can all introduce biases or lack the rigor required for making solid decisions. While they may offer valuable insights, they do not provide the same level of reliability as data grounded in statistical methods. Hence, utilizing statistical data and analysis is the most effective evidence to support a decision-making process in business research.