Which of the following best describes market research?

Market research is fundamentally about gathering and analyzing information on consumer preferences, behaviors, and trends. This process helps businesses understand what their target market values, what problems they are looking to solve, and how they can tailor their products or services to meet these needs effectively. By focusing on consumer preferences, companies can make informed decisions regarding product development, pricing strategies, and marketing campaigns, ultimately increasing their chances of success in the marketplace.

The other options, while relevant to business practices, do not encapsulate the essence of market research as well as gathering consumer information does. Analyzing competitors' strategies provides insights into the competitive landscape but does not directly focus on consumer preferences. Examining internal company finances pertains more to financial analysis than market research. Increasing sales through promotions is a tactic that may be informed by market research but does not represent the research process itself.