Is 'marketing research' the same as 'market research'?

They are often used interchangeably, but some make a subtle distinction: 'market research' is broader, studying the entire market, while 'marketing research' focuses specifically on the marketing process (product, price, place, promotion).

Can 'marketing research' be used as a verb?

No. 'Marketing research' is a noun phrase. The verb is simply 'research' (e.g., 'to research the market').

What are the main types of marketing research?

The two primary types are primary research (collecting new data via surveys, interviews) and secondary research (analyzing existing data from reports, studies).

Is marketing research only for large corporations?

No. Businesses of all sizes, including startups and small local shops, can and should conduct some form of marketing research to understand their customers and compete effectively.

Is “marketing research” formal?

Marketing research is usually formal/technical in register.

How do you pronounce “marketing research”?

Marketing research: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːkɪtɪŋ rɪˈsɜːtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːrkɪtɪŋ ˈriːsɜːrtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

marketing research: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈmɑːkɪtɪŋ rɪˈsɜːtʃ/US/ˈmɑːrkɪtɪŋ ˈriːsɜːrtʃ/

Formal/Technical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “marketing research” mean?

The systematic gathering, recording, and analysis of data about issues relating to marketing products and services.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The systematic gathering, recording, and analysis of data about issues relating to marketing products and services.

The process of investigating consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive landscapes to inform business strategy, product development, and promotional activities.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical differences. Both use the same term. Spelling follows regional conventions for 'marketing' (same in both) and 'research' (same in both).

Connotations

Identical professional/business connotations in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally common in both business and academic contexts in the UK and US.

Grammar

How to Use “marketing research” in a Sentence

conduct ~ on somethingbase a decision on ~~ into consumer habits~ suggests/shows/indicates that...

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

conduct marketing researchextensive marketing researchmarket researchprimary marketing researchquantitative marketing research

medium

commission marketing researchanalyze marketing researchrely on marketing researchfindings of marketing researchbudget for marketing research

weak

do some marketing researchuseful marketing researchrecent marketing researchexpensive marketing researchinternal marketing research

Examples

Examples of “marketing research” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The team was tasked with researching the market before the launch.
We need to properly research our target demographic.

American English

The company researched the market extensively.
They are researching consumer preferences for the new line.

adverb

British English

The project was researched marketingly sound. (Rare/Unnatural)
N/A

American English

adjective

British English

The marketing research findings were conclusive.
She works in a marketing research role.

American English

The marketing research data was compelling.
He attended a marketing research conference.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Essential for launching new products, entering new markets, and understanding customer needs.

Academic

Studied within business schools, sociology, and psychology departments focusing on consumer behavior.

Everyday

Rarely used in casual conversation; typically in discussions about business, advertising, or product launches.

Technical

Involves specific methodologies like surveys, focus groups, A/B testing, and data analytics.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “marketing research”

Strong

market research

Neutral

market researchconsumer researchmarket analysis

Weak

market investigationconsumer insightsmarket intelligence

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “marketing research”

guesswork assumption intuition speculation

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “marketing research”

Using it as a plural (*marketings research).
Confusing it with 'marketing' alone.
Misspelling as 'marketing reasearch'.
Using it as a verb (*We need to marketing research our customers).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: They are often used interchangeably, but some make a subtle distinction: 'market research' is broader, studying the entire market, while 'marketing research' focuses specifically on the marketing process (product, price, place, promotion).
: No. 'Marketing research' is a noun phrase. The verb is simply 'research' (e.g., 'to research the market').
: The two primary types are primary research (collecting new data via surveys, interviews) and secondary research (analyzing existing data from reports, studies).
: No. Businesses of all sizes, including startups and small local shops, can and should conduct some form of marketing research to understand their customers and compete effectively.
: The systematic gathering, recording, and analysis of data about issues relating to marketing products and services.
: Marketing research is usually formal/technical in register.
: Marketing research: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːkɪtɪŋ rɪˈsɜːtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːrkɪtɪŋ ˈriːsɜːrtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“No specific idioms. The term itself is technical.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: MARKETing is about selling; RESEARCH is about studying. Marketing Research = studying how to sell better.

Conceptual Metaphor

MARKETING RESEARCH IS A MAP (it guides business decisions and shows the terrain of the market).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Before investing in the new technology, the firm decided to thorough marketing research.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary purpose of marketing research?