Market research is best described as:

Market research is best described as the study of consumers and the factors influencing their purchasing decisions, making it fundamentally rooted in social science. This area focuses on understanding human behavior, preferences, and motivations through various research methodologies.

The essence of market research is to gather information on consumer needs and market trends, which requires an analysis of social dynamics, interactions, and societal influences. By examining how individuals make decisions in a marketplace, organizations can tailor their offerings effectively. Thus, classifying market research as a branch of social science captures its core purpose and approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding human factors in a business context.