Final answer:
Good marketing research requires C) Clear objectives to be sure that the research focuses on real problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Good marketing research fundamentally necessitates clear objectives to ensure that the efforts are directed towards solving real issues and challenges that are pertinent to the business. Without clear objectives, research can be aimless and may not provide the insights necessary to inform strategic decisions. Thus, the correct answer to the student's question is 'C) Clear objectives'.
When considering the principles of effective marketing research, having a defined research question is crucial as it guides the entire study, helping to frame and direct how data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted. Additionally, the validity of a measurement is essential because it determines whether the research measures what it is intended to measure, making 'C) valid' the right choice for the topic of a study. In the context of developing a hypothesis, it should not only be specific and concise but also testable and relevant to the research question, emphasizing the importance of a hypothesis being a statement that can be explored and validated through research.