Market research is a systematic, purposeful, planned and methodical activity that provides decision support for enterprises by collecting, analyzing and interpreting market-related information. The objects of market research include the size, structure, distribution, competition, changes, trends, opportunities and challenges of the market, as well as the characteristics, needs, preferences, behaviors, satisfaction, loyalty and feedback of consumers. The methods of market research include qualitative research and quantitative research, qualitative research mainly uses in-depth interviews, focus groups, observation methods, quantitative research mainly uses questionnaires, experimental methods, mathematical statistics and so on.

The types of market research can be classified according to different criteria, such as the purpose, object, method, time, scope, etc. The following are the main categories and characteristics of the types of market research:

Basic market research and applied market research. Basic market research refers to the theoretical and universal market research conducted in order to explore the nature and laws of the market, such as the structure, function and evolution of the market. Applied market research refers to the practical and special market research carried out in order to solve specific market problems, such as market demand, supply, competition and so on. The difference between basic market research and applied market research is that the former pays more attention to market theory and knowledge, while the latter pays more attention to market strategies and actions.

Qualitative market research and quantitative market research. Qualitative market research refers to market research that describes and explains the quality and nature of the market through non-numerical methods, such as market motivations, feelings, and attitudes. Quantitative market research refers to market research that measures and evaluates the quantity and extent of the market through numerical methods, such as the size, share, and growth of the market. The difference between qualitative market research and quantitative market research is that the former pays more attention to the depth and connotation of the market, while the latter pays more attention to the breadth and extension of the market.

Cross-sectional market research and vertical market research. A cross-sectional market survey is a market survey that observes and analyzes a particular aspect of the market at a particular point in time, such as the current situation, characteristics, and differences of the market. A vertical market survey is a market survey that tracks and compares a particular aspect of the market over a continuous period of time, such as changes, trends, and impacts of the market. The difference between a cross-sectional market survey and a vertical market survey is that the former focuses more on the static and cross-sectional aspects of the market, while the latter focuses more on the dynamics and vertical aspects of the market.

comprehensive market research and partial market research. A comprehensive market survey is a market survey that covers and analyzes all aspects of the market, such as the overall, segmented, and potential of the market. Partial market research refers to the market research that focuses on a certain aspect of the market, such as market demand, supply, competition, etc. The difference between a comprehensive market survey and a partial market survey is that the former pays more attention to the integrity and systematicness of the market, while the latter pays more attention to the focus and professionalism of the market.

The selection of the type of market research should be based on the objectives, needs, conditions, resources and other factors of the market research in order to achieve the best market research results. Here are a few principles for the selection of the type of market research:

The principle of purpose. The choice of the type of market research should be in line with the purpose of market research, that is, the type of market research should be able to effectively help companies solve market problems, achieve market goals, and improve market performance.

The principle of demand. The choice of the type of market research should meet the needs of market research, that is, the type of market research should be able to fully reflect the current situation and future of the market, reveal the dynamics and trends of the market, and discover the opportunities and challenges of the market.

The Condition Principle. The choice of the type of market research should be adapted to the conditions of market research, I .e. the type of market research should be able to make reasonable use of the resources and environment of the market, avoid market restrictions and obstacles, and reduce market risks and costs.

The resource principle. The choice of the type of market research should optimize the resources of market research, that is, the type of market research should be able to effectively allocate and use the market's human, material, financial, information and other resources to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the market.

Conclusion

Market research is a method of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting market-related information designed to help companies make better decisions. The types of market research can be classified according to different criteria, such as the purpose, object, method, time, scope, etc. The types of market research include basic market research, applied market research, qualitative market research, quantitative market research, cross-sectional market research, vertical market research, comprehensive market research, partial market research, etc. The types of market research have different characteristics, such as the content, depth, breadth, cycle, cost and effect of market research. The selection of the type of market research should be based on the objectives, needs, conditions, resources and other factors of the market research in order to achieve the best market research results.