In the market research process, designing the sample is the step that occurs immediately before the step of .

Data collection

Explanation:

The steps in the marketing research process are:

Defining the research problem Research objectives Research design and choosing the method to collect primary dataDesigning the sample: who are you research subjects, the required sample size, and how you plan to reach them.Data collection: refers to basically gathering the necessary information through surveys, questionnaires, focus groups and secondary information sources. Analyzing and interpreting the data Formulating the research process's conclusion and presenting it

The correct answer is step.