The concept of 'neuromarketing' has gained traction in recent years, blending neuroscience with consumer behavior research. By using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), researchers can observe brain activity in response to advertisements, product designs, or brand messages. Proponents argue that this approach provides objective, subconscious insights into consumer preferences that traditional surveys or focus groups may miss, as participants often cannot articulate their true motivations. However, critics raise ethical concerns about manipulation and the potential for invasive data collection. Moreover, the ecological validity of laboratory-based brain scans is questioned, since the artificial setting may not reflect real-world purchasing decisions, which are influenced by social context, price, and habit. Despite these debates, neuromarketing has evolved as a niche tool, not a replacement for established market research methods, but a complement that offers a deeper layer of understanding when used responsibly.
❓ Theo đoạn văn, hạn chế chính của các phương pháp nghiên cứu thị trường truyền thống như khảo sát là gì?
A. A. Chúng quá đắt để có thể tiến hành trên quy mô lớn.
B. B. Họ không thể nắm bắt được những động cơ tiềm thức của người tiêu dùng.
C. C. Họ phụ thuộc rất nhiều vào công nghệ chụp ảnh não.
D. D. Chúng luôn bị thiên lệch bởi tính mong muốn xã hội.
✅ 正确答案
B. They cannot capture subconscious consumer motivations.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first