This document discusses marketing research and its importance in the marketing process. It defines marketing research as applying the scientific method to understand marketing phenomena. Marketing research can be either applied, addressing a specific decision for a firm, or basic, expanding general marketing knowledge without addressing a specific organization. Both types of research use the scientific method, involving developing ideas and theories, defining problems, collecting and analyzing data, and communicating findings. The document also discusses the importance of a marketing orientation for businesses and the four stages of developing a marketing strategy: identifying opportunities, analyzing segments, planning a marketing mix, and analyzing performance.