In a short essay, list and discuss the six steps in the marketing research process

What will be an ideal response?

Step 1: Defining the Problem - the first step in any marketing research project is to define the problem. Researchers accomplish problem definition through discussions with the decision makers, interviews with industry experts, analysis of secondary data, and some qualitative research, such as focus groups.
Step 2: Developing an approach to the problem - this includes formulating an analytical framework and models, research questions, and hypotheses. This process is guided by the same tasks performed to define the problem.
Step 3: Formulating a research design - a research design is a framework or blueprint for conducting the marketing research project. It details the procedures needed to obtain the required information. A study may be designed to test hypotheses of interest or determine possible answers to the research questions, both of which contribute to decision making.
Step 4: Doing fieldwork or collecting data - data collection is accomplished using a staff that operates in the field. Fieldwork involves personal, telephone, mail, or electronic interviewing. Proper selection, training, supervision, and evaluation of the field force are essential to ensure high-quality data collection.
Step 5: Preparing and analyzing data - data preparation involves data-processing steps leading up to analysis. This includes the editing, coding, and transcribing of collected data. This entire process must then be verified for accuracy. The results are interpreted in order to find conclusions related to the marketing research problem.
Step 6: Preparing and presenting the report - the entire project should be documented in a written report that addresses the specific research questions; describes the approach, the research design, data collection, and data analysis procedures; and presents the results and the major findings.