Research question
To what extent do AI-assisted discovery stages shape consumer decisions in ways that remain invisible to the conventional digital marketing funnel?
Motivation
A growing share of product research now happens inside conversational AI systems. Marketers observe the click, the visit and the purchase — but not the dialogue that preceded them.
Conceptual background
The work draws on consumer journey theory, information systems research on decision support, and digital attribution literature, examining a potential measurement gap between AI-assisted discovery and the visible funnel.
Research approach
Approaches may include behavioral data, surveys, consumer journey analysis and quantitative modelling.
Potential academic contribution
A conceptual and empirical framing of AI-mediated pre-funnel decision stages and their implications for attribution theory.
Practical business relevance
Helps organizations understand what their analytics cannot currently see, and how to plan marketing for AI-first discovery.
This is a working description of research in progress. No findings, publication venues or results are claimed.