Marketing research can be defined as the collection, collation and analysis of data relating to the marketing and consumption of goods and services.

Primary research is information which does not already exist. In other words, it has to be collected by the researcher. Most primary information is gathered by asking consumers questions or by observing their behavior. The most accurate way to do this would be to ask or observe all consumers of a particular product usually known as the population. It is usual to carry out a survey of a sample of people who are thought to be representative of the total market. There are various types of primary data's used by organisations which are listed below.

* Questionnaires-There are certain features that a business must consider when designing a questionnaire. If it is poorly designed it may not obtain the results the firm or organisation is looking for. This was the type of research we actually used in our Young enterprise and it actually helped use to know what our customers needed.

* Personal interviews-This involves an interviewer obtaining information from one person face to face.

* Telephone interview-This method allows the interview to be held over the telephone.

* Postal surveys- This involves the use of questionnaires sent out to consumers through post.

Advantages of primary research

* You collect exactly the data elements that you need to answer your research question.
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* You can test an intervention.

* You cam control the data collection process, so you can ensure data quality, minimize the number of missing values, and assess the reliability of your instruments.

* Another advantage is that the firm which initially collects it will be the only organization with access to it.

* Can cover a large number of people or organization.

* Relatively cheap.

Disadvantages of primary research

* Design problems.

* Questions have to be relatively simple.

* Historical low response rate.

* Time delay whilst ...

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