<P> A distinction should be made between marketing research and market research . Market research pertains to research in a given market . As an example, a firm may conduct research in a target market, after selecting a suitable market segment . In contrast, marketing research relates to all research conducted within marketing . Market research is a subset of marketing research . </P> <P> Marketing researchers use statistical methods (such as quantitative research, qualitative research, hypothesis tests, Chi - square tests, linear regression, correlation coefficients, frequency distributions, Poisson and binomial distributions, etc .) to interpret their findings and convert data into information . </P> <P> Marketing research spans a number of stages, including: </P> <Ul> <Li> Define the problem </Li> <Li> Develop a research plan </Li> <Li> Collect the data </Li> <Li> Interpret data into information </Li> <Li> Disseminate information formally in the form of a report </Li> </Ul>

Marketing is defined as producing promoting and selling tangible products