Verb-noun collocation refers to the way that verbs and nouns frequently occur together in English. 'Conduct' naturally pairs with 'study' to describe undertaking an academic investigation. Therefore C is the correct option. * **Core concept**: Understanding of correct and typical verb-noun pairings (collocations). * **Solution analysis**: 'Conduct' a study is a common and correct collocation for referring to the action of doing academic research. Therefore option C is the only correct answer. * **Option A Analysis**: Incorrect, 'do' research is correct. * **Option B Analysis**: Incorrect, 'make' progress is correct. * **Option D Analysis**: Incorrect, 'find' or 'develop' a solution is more correct. * **Easy mistake**: Picking an option that has the right general meaning, but is not the correct collocation.