Which term is used to describe the process of gathering and analyzing information to support business decisions about customers and competitors?

• A. Direct competition
• B. Market research
• C. Patent
• D. Intellectual property

Answer: (B)

Market research is the process of gathering and analyzing information about a market, including customers and competitors, to inform business decisions. It helps you understand who your customers are, what they need, how they behave, and how the competition is positioned. By collecting primary data (like surveys or interviews) and secondary data (industry reports, public statistics) and analyzing it, you can uncover insights about demand, price sensitivity, preferred channels, and potential opportunities or risks. This approach is distinct from direct competition, which refers to other firms offering similar products; it’s not about collecting data itself. Patents and intellectual property relate to legal protections for inventions, not to the process of researching markets.