Answer:
The stage of marketing research that is often considered to be the most difficult for an entrepreneur due to a lack of knowledge or experience in marketing is:
D) Defining the purpose or objectives.
Defining the purpose or objectives of a marketing research project is a critical initial step because it sets the direction and scope of the research. Entrepreneurs may struggle with this stage because they may not have a clear understanding of what specific information they need or what questions they should be asking. Without well-defined objectives, it becomes challenging to proceed with the research process effectively.
Once the purpose and objectives are clearly defined, entrepreneurs can move on to gathering data from primary and secondary sources and analyzing and interpreting the results, which are also important but typically more manageable once the research objectives are established.
Step-by-step explanation: