What is the study of how individuals or groups select, purchase, use, and dispose of goods and services called?

The study of how individuals or groups select, purchase, use, and dispose of goods and services is called consumer behavior. This field of study encompasses a wide range of activities and decisions that consumers make, influencing not only what products they buy but also how they perceive brands, their emotions related to purchases, and the factors that influence their buying decisions.

Consumer behavior analyzes psychological, social, and emotional factors that affect how consumers interact with products and brands. Understanding consumer behavior is crucial for businesses as it helps them tailor their marketing strategies, product development, and customer service to meet the needs and preferences of their target market effectively. This comprehensive approach is why consumer behavior is considered a fundamental concept in marketing and business studies.

Other options like market research and buyer behavior focus on specific aspects of consumer behavior or the methods used to study it, while shopping habits limit the scope to patterns and practices related to purchasing but do not encompass the entire lifecycle of goods and services.