A research design is a detailed and systematic plan or method developed by a researcher for obtaining data scientifically to address a specific research question or test a hypothesis. It outlines the overall strategy of the research, including the type of study (e.g., experiment, survey, ethnography, case study), the methods of data collection (e.g., questionnaires, interviews, observations, analysis of existing data), the selection of participants or cases (sampling strategy), and the procedures for data analysis. A well-developed research design is crucial for ensuring that the research is valid, reliable, and capable of answering the research question effectively while minimizing bias and maximizing the rigor of the study.