The actions a person takes in purchasing and using products and services, including the mental and social processes that come before and after these actions, are referred to as

purchase intentions.

market research.

consumer behavior.

consumer conduct.

purchase protocols.

consumer behavior

Explanation:

Businesses study consumer behavior to try to understand how their target market will eventually decide to buy or not to buy their products or services. What motivates their potential customers to choose one product over its competitors? All this is done to eventually better understand what needs they should satisfy, e. g. a car doesn't just satisfy the need for transportation but it also satisfies needs of social status.