Throughout time we have seen different types of research methods when it comes to advertising and targeting a certain market. There are three methods that are usually used when trying to figure out how a product will do to suit a consumer needs. The three methods of research are causal, descriptive and exploratory. The trick is figuring out which will work best for your company and the product itself. When it comes to M&M’s we have see many different types and strategies, many was not successful and many have stuck around for a long time.
“Causal research involves testing the product” (Schiffman & Kanuk, 2007). We usual see this when products call for a taste testing or trial run. Personally this type of testing is one the best ways to see how a product will do amongst different people. It is like collecting data in a way that is a no fail in the real world. Also it is way of advertising a product by word of mouth because consumers will talk about the product before it hits the shelves. This type of research method would be great for M&M’s because consumers can give an effective reading of the product and the company can collect better data as to if the product will be successful or not.
The second type of research method is exploratory research which is the most basic form of research that usually needs more research to be done” (Schiffman & Kanuk, 2007). In our economy today it seems that basic research would not be effective when trying to collect data in order for companies to prosper. One has to think that if the marketing department only use this form of research then they will not know if the product is going to be a hit or miss because basic research should only be the start of any data collection. One has to think who are trying to target in this case when it comes to M&M’s? Have we done enough to ensure that the product will be a success? If those questions are answered then you have done your job can move forward with the product.

Watching M&M's Grow
Cara Hall
MT459-01 Consumer Behavior
12/24/2012
Kaplan University

Watching M&M's Grow Throughout time we have seen different types of research methods when it comes to advertising and targeting a certain market. There are three methods that are usually used when trying to figure out how a product will do to suit a consumer needs. The three methods of research are causal, descriptive and exploratory. The trick is figuring out which will work best for your company and the product itself. When it comes to M&M’s we have see many different types and strategies, many was not successful and many have stuck around for a long time. “Causal research involves testing the product” (Schiffman & Kanuk, 2007). We usual see this when products call for a taste testing or trial run. Personally this type of testing is one the best ways to see how a product will do amongst different people. It is like collecting data in a way that is a no fail in the real world. Also it is way of advertising a product by word of mouth because consumers will talk about the product before it hits the shelves. This type of research method would be great for M&M’s because consumers can give an effective reading of the product and the company can collect better data as to if the product will be successful or not. The second type of research method is exploratory research which is the most basic form of research that usually needs more research to be done” (Schiffman & Kanuk, 2007). In our economy today it seems that basic research would not be effective when trying to collect data in order for companies to prosper. One has to think that if the marketing department only use this form of research then they will not know if the product is going to be a hit or miss because basic research should only be the start of any data collection. One has to think who are trying to target in this case when it comes to M&M’s? Have we done enough to ensure that the