The Sony (www.sony.com) MiniDisc recorder/player was a huge hit in Japan; however, the initial response in the U.S. was lukewarm. When Sony mounted its third official attempt to launch its MiniDisc in the U.S., the executives thought it finally had the right formula, as one noted, "This time around, we've done our homework, and we've found out what's in customers' heads."
What type of research do you think Sony used to "get inside the heads" of its target market?Do you think different cultures prefer to conduct certain types of market research?
Please explain your answers and show at least one reference. (250 words or more)