What is market research, and why is it important?

Market research is the gathering and analyzing of information about consumer behavior to help a company market its products or services. Market researchers use customer analytics such as past browsing and purchasing patterns to help predict future buying behaviors, thereby making it easier to lower business risks and maximize opportunities. Market research is important because this data analysis helps provide guidance to companies on which products to improve and which to discontinue, where and how much to spend on advertising, and what future product development goals and investments they should pursue. This field relies on both qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather customer and market data for interpretation. Qualitative research is gathered by reaching out to potential customers through focus groups, interviews, and questionnaires. With these qualitative methods, market researchers can delve into the thoughts and feelings people have towards a product or service. This information can be valuable in informing product design as well as creative marketing and branding strategies. In contrast, quantitative research analyzes statistical data to generate insights. With the advent of digital commerce and social media, there are vast new datasets available for researchers to parse to discern patterns of online behavior and purchasing decisions, as well as tools to conduct A/B testing of different marketing content and advertising strategies at scale.

What kinds of careers can you pursue with an education in market research?

In today’s data-driven world, market research is more powerful than ever and used in virtually all industries. Market researchers with the analytical skills needed to conduct methodical research and interpret the resulting data, as well as the communication skills needed to present results to clients effectively, are thus in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , market research analysts make a median annual salary of $63,790 per year and typically have a bachelor’s degree to start, though higher salaries often come with a master’s degree. These jobs are expected to grow 20% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the national average across the economy.

Can you learn about market research through online courses on Coursera?

Yes. As with other areas of business and marketing, Coursera offers a wide range of online courses and Specializations on topics related to market research, including business analytics, quantitative research, and more. These courses and Specializations are offered through top-ranked institutions like the University of California, Davis, the University of Pennsylvania, and Emory University, so you don’t have to sacrifice the quality of your education to learn online. Best of all, taking classes remotely lets you learn on a flexible schedule that can fit into your existing work or family life. And, because you’ll be taking the same courses as on-campus students at a significantly lower cost, you can rest assured that you’ll get a great return on this investment in your education.

What skills or experience do I need to already have, before starting to learn about market research?

A background in business or marketing is always helpful for anyone who wants to learn about market research. This may help you better understand consumers and their choices as well as businesses and how they can improve their bottom line. Other work or educational experience that involved statistics, math, computer science, data analysis, psychology, other social sciences, communications, or business administration may also be helpful. Any experience you've had working with consumers, even if it was an entry-level sales or customer position, can also give you some insight into their behavior, which can be very beneficial when studying market research.

What kind of people are best suited for roles in market research?

Strong analytical skills and an interest in data are two traits you must have if you want to work in a field that uses market research. You'll also need good computer skills as you'll do the majority of your work online or using software such as Microsoft Office, WinCross, and Market Sight. You must be able to multitask and work under pressure, as you may have multiple projects going on at one time with fast-approaching deadlines. Those who work in market research are usually part of a team that involves other marketers, management, supervisors, clients, vendors, and even customers. For this reason, excellent communication skills and the ability to work with others are a must. You must enjoy collecting data and finding ways to organize it so that it makes sense to others, which means you must enjoy doing a little detective work and making presentations.

How do I know if learning market research is right for me?

Learning marketing research is ideal for anyone who has career goals that involve marketing or commerce. Adding the skill to your resume may help you find a career in either of those or a related field. If you want to start your own business, understanding market research can help you reach a wider audience that may be interested in whatever products or services you're selling.

What are the benefits of taking an online Market Research course?

Online Market Research courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Market Research skills. Choose from a wide range of Market Research courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Market Research courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Market Research, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Market Research Courses - Learn Market Research Online

Results for "market research"

Johns Hopkins University
An Introduction to the U.S. Food System: Perspectives from Public Health
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
161 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Alberta
Reinforcement Learning
Skills you'll gain: Machine Learning, Reinforcement Learning, Algorithms, Human Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Applied Machine Learning, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Statistical Machine Learning, Statistical Programming, Artificial Neural Networks, Decision Making, Estimation, Mathematics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.4K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Kennesaw State University
Managing Cybersecurity
Skills you'll gain: Security Engineering, System Security, Risk Management, Computer Security Incident Management, Leadership and Management, Security Strategy, Network Security, Strategy, Cyberattacks, Strategy and Operations, Computer Security Models, Software Security, Security Software, Computer Networking, Planning, Regulations and Compliance, Business Analysis, Network Architecture, Networking Hardware, Operations Management, Cryptography, Network Model, Project Management, Systems Design, Software As A Service
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
AI Capstone Project with Deep Learning
Skills you'll gain: Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Python Programming, Artificial Neural Networks, Extract, Transform, Load, Machine Learning Algorithms, Applied Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Machine Learning Software
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
586 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
DeepLearning.AI
DeepLearning.AI TensorFlow Developer
Skills you'll gain: Machine Learning, Tensorflow, Deep Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Artificial Neural Networks, Applied Machine Learning, Human Learning, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Machine Learning Software, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Forecasting, Algorithms, Data Visualization, Network Model, Statistical Machine Learning
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
25K reviews
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Business Strategies for A Better World
Skills you'll gain: Strategy, Critical Thinking, Strategy and Operations, Leadership and Management, Decision Making, Business Analysis, Business Development, Entrepreneurship, People Development, Business Psychology, Business Transformation, Data Analysis, Organizational Development, People Analysis, Problem Solving, Business Process Management, Financial Analysis, General Statistics, Geostatistics, Planning, Human Learning, Regulations and Compliance, Finance, Operations Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
IBM AI Enterprise Workflow
Skills you'll gain: Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Human Learning, Data Visualization, Algorithms, Dimensionality Reduction, Feature Engineering, Natural Language Processing, Python Programming, Business Process Management, Data Management, Data Structures, Statistical Programming, Strategy and Operations, Apache, Artificial Neural Networks, Data Science, Docker (Software)
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
304 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
DeepLearning.AI
Réseaux neuronaux et Deep Learning
Skills you'll gain: Leadership and Management, Calculus, Data Analysis, Problem Solving, Algebra, Business Analysis, Decision Making, Design and Product, Mathematics, Strategy, Artificial Neural Networks
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Leadership and Management, Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, General Statistics, Problem Solving, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Communication, Databases, Critical Thinking, Data Structures, Data Management, Estimation, Finance, Data Analysis, Design and Product, Research and Design, Systems Design, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Database Design, Hardware Design, Writing, Data Model, Project Management, Strategy and Operations, Machine Learning, Probability Distribution, SQL, Computational Logic, Decision Making, Strategy, Database Theory, Database Administration, PostgreSQL, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming Tools, Graph Theory, Planning, Process Analysis, Internet Of Things, Statistical Tests, Correlation And Dependence, Database Application, Financial Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Algebra, Business Communication, Machine Learning Algorithms, Product Management, Regression, Computer Networking, Agile Software Development, Business Analysis, Data Visualization, Product Design, Professional Development, Statistical Machine Learning, Accounting, Business Process Management, Cost Accounting, Creativity, Linear Algebra, Python Programming, Material Handling, People Management, Programming Principles, Statistical Programming, System Programming, Deep Learning, Calculus, Investment Management, Organizational Development, Risk Management, Computer Vision, Business Design, Entrepreneurship, Experiment, Performance Management, Product Development, Scrum (Software Development), System Security, Business Intelligence, Differential Equations, Financial Accounting, Network Security, Product Lifecycle, System Software, Visual Design, Cloud Computing, Microarchitecture, Financial Management, Graphic Design, Security Engineering, Big Data, Collaboration, Conflict Management, Distributed Computing Architecture, Innovation, Market Analysis, Marketing, Network Architecture, Software Engineering, Software Security, Software Testing, Amazon Web Services, Cloud Applications, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Standards, Security Strategy, Adaptability, Applied Mathematics, Budget Management, Leadership Development, Linux, Network Analysis, Operations Management, Market Research, NoSQL, Data Mining, Negotiation, Product Strategy, R Programming, Software Architecture, Software-Defined Networking, Dimensionality Reduction, Forecasting, Kubernetes, Business, Computer Science, Data Science, Data Warehousing, Java Programming, Resilience
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of Colorado Boulder
Master of Science in Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Leadership and Management, Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, General Statistics, Problem Solving, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Communication, Databases, Critical Thinking, Data Structures, Data Management, Estimation, Finance, Data Analysis, Design and Product, Research and Design, Systems Design, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Database Design, Hardware Design, Writing, Data Model, Project Management, Strategy and Operations, Machine Learning, Probability Distribution, SQL, Computational Logic, Decision Making, Strategy, Database Theory, Database Administration, PostgreSQL, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming Tools, Graph Theory, Planning, Process Analysis, Internet Of Things, Statistical Tests, Correlation And Dependence, Database Application, Financial Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Algebra, Business Communication, Machine Learning Algorithms, Product Management, Regression, Computer Networking, Agile Software Development, Business Analysis, Data Visualization, Product Design, Professional Development, Statistical Machine Learning, Accounting, Business Process Management, Cost Accounting, Creativity, Linear Algebra, Python Programming, Material Handling, People Management, Programming Principles, Statistical Programming, System Programming, Deep Learning, Calculus, Investment Management, Organizational Development, Risk Management, Computer Vision, Business Design, Entrepreneurship, Experiment, Performance Management, Product Development, Scrum (Software Development), System Security, Business Intelligence, Differential Equations, Financial Accounting, Network Security, Product Lifecycle, System Software, Visual Design, Cloud Computing, Microarchitecture, Financial Management, Graphic Design, Security Engineering, Big Data, Collaboration, Conflict Management, Distributed Computing Architecture, Innovation, Market Analysis, Marketing, Network Architecture, Software Engineering, Software Security, Software Testing, Amazon Web Services, Cloud Applications, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Standards, Security Strategy, Adaptability, Applied Mathematics, Budget Management, Leadership Development, Linux, Network Analysis, Operations Management, Market Research, NoSQL, Data Mining, Negotiation, Product Strategy, R Programming, Software Architecture, Software-Defined Networking, Dimensionality Reduction, Forecasting, Kubernetes, Business, Computer Science, Data Science, Data Warehousing, Java Programming, Resilience
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of Colorado Boulder
Master of Science in Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Leadership and Management, Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, General Statistics, Problem Solving, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Communication, Databases, Critical Thinking, Data Structures, Data Management, Estimation, Finance, Data Analysis, Design and Product, Research and Design, Systems Design, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Database Design, Hardware Design, Writing, Data Model, Project Management, Strategy and Operations, Machine Learning, Probability Distribution, SQL, Computational Logic, Decision Making, Strategy, Database Theory, Database Administration, PostgreSQL, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming Tools, Graph Theory, Planning, Process Analysis, Internet Of Things, Statistical Tests, Correlation And Dependence, Database Application, Financial Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Algebra, Business Communication, Machine Learning Algorithms, Product Management, Regression, Computer Networking, Agile Software Development, Business Analysis, Data Visualization, Product Design, Professional Development, Statistical Machine Learning, Accounting, Business Process Management, Cost Accounting, Creativity, Linear Algebra, Python Programming, Material Handling, People Management, Programming Principles, Statistical Programming, System Programming, Deep Learning, Calculus, Investment Management, Organizational Development, Risk Management, Computer Vision, Business Design, Entrepreneurship, Experiment, Performance Management, Product Development, Scrum (Software Development), System Security, Business Intelligence, Differential Equations, Financial Accounting, Network Security, Product Lifecycle, System Software, Visual Design, Cloud Computing, Microarchitecture, Financial Management, Graphic Design, Security Engineering, Big Data, Collaboration, Conflict Management, Distributed Computing Architecture, Innovation, Market Analysis, Marketing, Network Architecture, Software Engineering, Software Security, Software Testing, Amazon Web Services, Cloud Applications, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Standards, Security Strategy, Adaptability, Applied Mathematics, Budget Management, Leadership Development, Linux, Network Analysis, Operations Management, Market Research, NoSQL, Data Mining, Negotiation, Product Strategy, R Programming, Software Architecture, Software-Defined Networking, Dimensionality Reduction, Forecasting, Kubernetes, Business, Computer Science, Data Science, Data Warehousing, Java Programming, Resilience
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
University of Colorado Boulder
Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Leadership and Management, Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, General Statistics, Problem Solving, Theoretical Computer Science, Computer Programming, Communication, Databases, Critical Thinking, Data Structures, Data Management, Estimation, Finance, Data Analysis, Design and Product, Research and Design, Systems Design, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Database Design, Hardware Design, Writing, Data Model, Project Management, Strategy and Operations, Machine Learning, Probability Distribution, SQL, Computational Logic, Decision Making, Strategy, Database Theory, Database Administration, PostgreSQL, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming Tools, Graph Theory, Planning, Process Analysis, Internet Of Things, Statistical Tests, Correlation And Dependence, Database Application, Financial Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Algebra, Business Communication, Machine Learning Algorithms, Product Management, Regression, Computer Networking, Agile Software Development, Business Analysis, Data Visualization, Product Design, Professional Development, Statistical Machine Learning, Accounting, Business Process Management, Cost Accounting, Creativity, Linear Algebra, Python Programming, Material Handling, People Management, Programming Principles, Statistical Programming, System Programming, Deep Learning, Calculus, Investment Management, Organizational Development, Risk Management, Computer Vision, Business Design, Entrepreneurship, Experiment, Performance Management, Product Development, Scrum (Software Development), System Security, Business Intelligence, Differential Equations, Financial Accounting, Network Security, Product Lifecycle, System Software, Visual Design, Cloud Computing, Microarchitecture, Financial Management, Graphic Design, Security Engineering, Big Data, Collaboration, Conflict Management, Distributed Computing Architecture, Innovation, Market Analysis, Marketing, Network Architecture, Software Engineering, Software Security, Software Testing, Amazon Web Services, Cloud Applications, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Standards, Security Strategy, Adaptability, Applied Mathematics, Budget Management, Leadership Development, Linux, Network Analysis, Operations Management, Market Research, NoSQL, Data Mining, Negotiation, Product Strategy, R Programming, Software Architecture, Software-Defined Networking, Dimensionality Reduction, Forecasting, Kubernetes, Business, Computer Science, Data Science, Data Warehousing, Java Programming, Resilience
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years