Gathering and analyzing market data is the main responsibility of market research analysts. They devise methods and procedures for obtaining data, such as conducting Internet, telephone or direct-mail surveys or face-to-face consumer studies. These professionals make recommendations to companies based on data analysis, and their input plays a key role in determining product design, delivery and promotion. Possible outcomes of a market research analyst’s recommendations might include expanding a company’s offerings, opening new retail locations, closing underperforming outlets or changing packaging.