What term describes the action of searching for outside information to learn about a product or service?

The action of searching for outside information to learn about a product or service is referred to as external search. This process involves gathering information from various sources beyond one’s personal experience or knowledge, such as reviews, expert opinions, advertisements, or recommendations from friends and family. Conducting an external search is an essential step in making informed purchasing decisions, as it helps consumers evaluate alternatives and understand the benefits and drawbacks of different products or services.

In contrast, an internal search involves relying on one’s own previous experiences and knowledge about a product or service, which can be limited. A credit report relates to an individual's credit history and is not related to product evaluation, while peer-to-peer lending refers to an alternative financing method that connects borrowers directly with lenders, and is also not relevant to the context of searching for information on products. Thus, external search is the correct term for the action of seeking additional information to aid in decision-making in the marketplace.