Types of research - Market research is the collection of information or data to better understand what is happening in the market place.

... Types of research Market research is the collection of information or data to better understand what is happening in the market place. A firm's marketing department needs to know about economic trends, as well as consumers' views. Based on this information, they can put together a marketing plan, which will meet their own needs as well as those of their consumers. There are two general types of research: * Primary or field research * Secondary or desk research Primary or field research Obtaining new data for a specific purpose. The marketing department of a firm or a specialist research organisation can provide this. Typically, the data is gathered by face-to-face interviews, by telephone or by post, using questionnaires. This is called a survey. Sometimes potential consumers are asked to test products, and their responses are recorded. Field research has the advantage that the firm itself has control over the whole process. The disadvantages

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