Final answer:
The marketing research process step that includes determining the necessary data and method to collect it is called 'designing the research'. This step precedes the implementation, where data collection occurs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The step in the marketing research process that involves identifying the type of data needed and determining the method necessary to collect it is known as designing the research. This phase is critical as it guides researchers on how to gather the appropriate data that aligns with the objectives and research needs of a study. To design effective research, one must first establish what data is required, then choose the best methodology, which could include surveys, interviews, experiments, and other forms of data collection. The implementation phase follows the careful planning and design, which is when the actual collection of data takes place.