Market research traditionally entails surveying consumers about why th...
Let's analyze each answer choice and determine which one provides the strongest support for the market researchers' claim.
(A) Even consumers who are unable to explain their preference for or rejection of particular brands reveal which brands they are considering by picking up and putting down products while they are shopping.
This answer choice supports the claim by suggesting that observational research can uncover valuable information about consumer behavior that surveys cannot provide. Observing consumers' actions, such as picking up and putting down products, can reveal their consideration of specific brands, even if they are unable to articulate their reasons for preference or rejection. This aligns with the claim that observational research yields information that surveys cannot.
(B) Market researchers find that consumers are almost always willing to participate in observational research for which the consumer is paid by the hour.
This answer choice discusses the willingness of consumers to participate in observational research. While it may be useful for conducting observational research, it does not directly support the claim that observational research yields information about consumer behavior that surveys cannot provide. It is more of a practical consideration rather than a direct support for the claim.
(C) Consumers are becoming increasingly self-conscious about their buying habits, and some consumers have stopped buying some items that they normally used to buy.
This answer choice presents a trend related to consumer behavior, but it does not directly support the claim that observational research yields unique information that surveys cannot provide. It is discussing a change in consumer behavior, rather than the effectiveness of observational research.
(D) Market researchers say they find data collection more enjoyable in observational research than in survey research because observational research requires more creative judgment on their part.
This answer choice discusses the preferences of market researchers but does not provide support for the claim about the effectiveness of observational research compared to surveys. The personal enjoyment of data collection does not necessarily imply that observational research yields unique information about consumer behavior.
(E) Consumers are more likely to respond to oral surveys than they are to respond to written questionnaires.
This answer choice discusses the response rates of consumers to different survey methods. While it may be useful for understanding survey response rates, it does not directly support the claim that observational research yields information about consumer behavior that surveys cannot provide. It focuses on the survey response rates rather than the effectiveness of observational research.
In summary, the answer choice that provides the strongest support for the market researchers' claim is (A). It emphasizes that even consumers who cannot explain their preferences can reveal valuable information through their actions during the shopping process, highlighting the unique insights that observational research can provide.