Market Research in A-Level Business: Key Strategies and Concepts
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21
2
Sandi ๐ป
08/09/2025
Business
1.1.2 - Market Research (A-Level Business Edexcel)
1,372
โข
8 Sept 2025
โข
Easy Guide: Market Research for A-Level Business Edexcel
Sandi ๐ป
@sandi.ra
1 / 3
Market Research Methods and Limitations
This section explores various primary and secondary market research methods, their advantages and disadvantages, and the limitations of market research, including sample size and bias.
Primary Research Methods
- Observation
- Focus groups
- Surveys
- Interviews
Each method has its strengths and weaknesses:
- Focus groups provide detailed qualitative information but are expensive and time-consuming.
- Surveys are easy to collect answers from but may give a distorted picture of customer opinion.
- Interviews offer detailed insights but are costly in terms of time and money.
Secondary Research Methods
- Google searches
- Published market research reports
- Media reports
- Competitor data
Vocabulary: Qualitative research is based on views and opinions, answering questions like "why," "would," and "how." Quantitative research is based on numerical data, addressing questions like "how many," "how often," and "who."
Limitations of Market Research
The guide discusses two main limitations:
-
Sample Size:
- The amount of data collected from customers or potential customers
- A representative sample is crucial for good research
- Unrepresentative samples can lead to incorrect conclusions
-
Bias:
- Can occur in research questions
- May lead to findings that don't accurately reflect the views of the target audience
Highlight: Understanding the limitations of market research is crucial for interpreting and applying research findings effectively in business decision-making.
IT in Market Research and Market Segmentation
This final section examines the growing use of IT in supporting market research and introduces the concept of market segmentation.
IT in Market Research
The use of IT has become essential in modern market research:
- Complex algorithms can uncover patterns and correlations in data
- Data mining, an example of secondary research, allows for quick and automated analysis of huge data sets
- Social media platforms serve as both primary and secondary research sources
Example: Data mining is a secondary market research technique that relies on existing data, is quick and automated, and can analyze huge data sets without the need for sampling.
Market Segmentation
Market segmentation is the process of dividing a market into smaller sections containing customers with similar needs and wants.
Benefits of market segmentation:
- Aids new product development
- Better matches customer needs
- Identifies opportunities for growth
- Helps make the marketing mix more effective
Definition: Market segmentation in A-Level Business is the strategic process of dividing a broad target market into subsets of consumers with common needs, interests, or priorities.
Main bases of segmentation:
- Demographic: age, gender, family lifestyle, religion, nationality, ethnicity, occupation
- Geographical: nations, regions, cities, neighborhoods
- Psychographic: personality traits, values, attitudes, interests
Highlight: Effective market segmentation enables more targeted and efficient marketing strategies, allowing businesses to better meet the specific needs of different customer groups.
Understanding Market Research and Business Orientation
This section delves into the fundamentals of market research and business orientation strategies in the context of A-Level Business Edexcel. It explores the critical differences between product and market orientation, and introduces the concepts of primary and secondary market research data.
Product Orientation vs. Market Orientation
Product orientation and market orientation represent two distinct business approaches:
- Product Orientation:
- Focuses on developing products based on the company's strengths
- Emphasizes product quality and innovation
- May lead to unsuccessful products, especially in established markets
- Often places customer priorities lower on the list
Definition: Product orientation in A-Level Business refers to a business strategy that prioritizes the development of products based on the company's capabilities rather than customer needs.
- Market Orientation:
- Responds directly to customer needs and wants
- Designs products to closely fit customer expectations
- More responsive to changes in customer needs
- May lead to confusion if brand identity changes frequently
Highlight: Market orientation is increasingly linked to marketing success due to dynamic markets, demanding customers, and lower barriers to market entry.
Primary and Secondary Market Research Data
The guide introduces two main types of market research data:
-
Primary Data:
- Collected first-hand for a specific research purpose
- Tailored to research objectives
- Time-consuming and costly to obtain
- Risk of survey bias and unrepresentative sampling
-
Secondary Data:
- Already exists and was collected for a different purpose
- Often free and easy to obtain
- Quick to access and use
- May lack specificity to business needs
Example: Secondary market research examples include Google searches, published market reports, media reports, and competitor data.
Both primary and secondary research methods are used to identify customer needs, quantify demand, and gain insights into consumer behavior.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Easy Guide: Market Research for A-Level Business Edexcel
Sandi ๐ป
@sandi.ra
Market Research in A-Level Business: Key Strategies and Concepts
This guide covers essential aspects of market research for A-Level Business Edexcel, including product and market orientation, primary and secondary research methods, limitations of market research, and the growing use... Show more
Market Research Methods and Limitations
This section explores various primary and secondary market research methods, their advantages and disadvantages, and the limitations of market research, including sample size and bias.
Primary Research Methods
- Observation
- Focus groups
- Surveys
- Interviews
Each method has its strengths and weaknesses:
- Focus groups provide detailed qualitative information but are expensive and time-consuming.
- Surveys are easy to collect answers from but may give a distorted picture of customer opinion.
- Interviews offer detailed insights but are costly in terms of time and money.
Secondary Research Methods
- Google searches
- Published market research reports
- Media reports
- Competitor data
Vocabulary: Qualitative research is based on views and opinions, answering questions like "why," "would," and "how." Quantitative research is based on numerical data, addressing questions like "how many," "how often," and "who."
Limitations of Market Research
The guide discusses two main limitations:
-
Sample Size:
- The amount of data collected from customers or potential customers
- A representative sample is crucial for good research
- Unrepresentative samples can lead to incorrect conclusions
-
Bias:
- Can occur in research questions
- May lead to findings that don't accurately reflect the views of the target audience
Highlight: Understanding the limitations of market research is crucial for interpreting and applying research findings effectively in business decision-making.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
IT in Market Research and Market Segmentation
This final section examines the growing use of IT in supporting market research and introduces the concept of market segmentation.
IT in Market Research
The use of IT has become essential in modern market research:
- Complex algorithms can uncover patterns and correlations in data
- Data mining, an example of secondary research, allows for quick and automated analysis of huge data sets
- Social media platforms serve as both primary and secondary research sources
Example: Data mining is a secondary market research technique that relies on existing data, is quick and automated, and can analyze huge data sets without the need for sampling.
Market Segmentation
Market segmentation is the process of dividing a market into smaller sections containing customers with similar needs and wants.
Benefits of market segmentation:
- Aids new product development
- Better matches customer needs
- Identifies opportunities for growth
- Helps make the marketing mix more effective
Definition: Market segmentation in A-Level Business is the strategic process of dividing a broad target market into subsets of consumers with common needs, interests, or priorities.
Main bases of segmentation:
- Demographic: age, gender, family lifestyle, religion, nationality, ethnicity, occupation
- Geographical: nations, regions, cities, neighborhoods
- Psychographic: personality traits, values, attitudes, interests
Highlight: Effective market segmentation enables more targeted and efficient marketing strategies, allowing businesses to better meet the specific needs of different customer groups.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Understanding Market Research and Business Orientation
This section delves into the fundamentals of market research and business orientation strategies in the context of A-Level Business Edexcel. It explores the critical differences between product and market orientation, and introduces the concepts of primary and secondary market research data.
Product Orientation vs. Market Orientation
Product orientation and market orientation represent two distinct business approaches:
- Product Orientation:
- Focuses on developing products based on the company's strengths
- Emphasizes product quality and innovation
- May lead to unsuccessful products, especially in established markets
- Often places customer priorities lower on the list
Definition: Product orientation in A-Level Business refers to a business strategy that prioritizes the development of products based on the company's capabilities rather than customer needs.
- Market Orientation:
- Responds directly to customer needs and wants
- Designs products to closely fit customer expectations
- More responsive to changes in customer needs
- May lead to confusion if brand identity changes frequently
Highlight: Market orientation is increasingly linked to marketing success due to dynamic markets, demanding customers, and lower barriers to market entry.
Primary and Secondary Market Research Data
The guide introduces two main types of market research data:
-
Primary Data:
- Collected first-hand for a specific research purpose
- Tailored to research objectives
- Time-consuming and costly to obtain
- Risk of survey bias and unrepresentative sampling
-
Secondary Data:
- Already exists and was collected for a different purpose
- Often free and easy to obtain
- Quick to access and use
- May lack specificity to business needs
Example: Secondary market research examples include Google searches, published market reports, media reports, and competitor data.
Both primary and secondary research methods are used to identify customer needs, quantify demand, and gain insights into consumer behavior.
We thought youโd never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us โ and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user