Final answer:
Exploratory research is the preliminary research that clarifies the scope and nature of a marketing problem. It involves gathering information and insights to understand the problem before conducting further research.
Step-by-step explanation:
The preliminary research that clarifies the scope and nature of a marketing problem is referred to as exploratory research. Exploratory research involves gathering information and insights to understand the problem or issue before conducting further research. It helps identify potential causes, factors, or trends that may contribute to the marketing problem.
For example, if a company is experiencing a decline in sales, exploratory research may involve conducting focus groups or interviews with customers to gather their perceptions and feedback about the products or services offered.
Exploratory research is essential for formulating a hypothesis, developing research questions, and designing the appropriate research methods for further investigation.