Final answer:
Finding solutions to problems with studies involving consumers is known as marketing research, a process critical in making informed business decisions and informing marketing strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Finding solutions to problems through carefully designed studies involving consumers is called marketing research. This involves systematically gathering, recording, and analyzing data and information about customers, competitors, and the market. Marketing research helps to identify and assess how changing elements of the marketing mix impact customer behavior.
In the context of a new laundry detergent being tested, marketing research might involve surveys to determine consumer preferences or experimental studies comparing the new brand with leading competitors. This supports the business in making informed decisions, like whether to launch the product widely.
The study design in marketing research is crucial and includes deciding on the method of data collection, such as surveys, interviews, or observational studies, and defining the shapes and dimensions of the research components, which may not be physical but are structured elements of the research plan.
Once the initial research is done, it's vital to proceed with the next steps, which include designing the research study, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions to inform marketing strategy and tactics. The process of understanding and solving marketing problems involves strategic thinking, developing potential solutions, and understanding their significance in the broader market context.