What type of source provides information regarding consumer behavior based on reports from third parties?

The correct answer is independent source. Independent sources are those that provide information and insights based on reports or analyses not influenced by marketers or companies. These sources often include research studies, consumer reports, or data shared by non-biased entities, which can give a clearer picture of consumer behavior as they present information that is objective and not tailored to benefit a specific marketing agenda.

This type of information is particularly valuable because it can help gauge consumer sentiment, preferences, and trends from an unbiased perspective, allowing marketers to make informed decisions based on real-world data rather than promotional materials or internal reports that may reflect a company's subjective viewpoint.

In contrast, marketing sources typically involve promotions or communications from the organization itself, which may not accurately reflect consumer behavior due to promotional bias. Internal sources refer to data generated within the organization, like sales reports or customer feedback, which can also be influenced by the company's agenda. Experimental sources involve direct testing or marketing experiments, which while useful for specific insights, may not capture broader consumer behavior patterns in the way independent sources can.