Frito$-$Lay has been analyzing sales data compiled by a third$-$party company and has noticed that sales of baked varieties such as Baked Cheetos and Baked Lay's potato chips are higher in suburban markets compared to urban grocery outlets. This information will assist Frito$-$Lay in their individual store planning sessions as account managers meet with store managers to discuss inventory and stock positions. The information Frito$-$Lay is utilizing is called

qualitative research

scanner$-$based research

neuromarketing

primary research