What is meant by "research design"?

The term "research design" refers to the comprehensive plan or framework that guides the research process. It encompasses the strategies and methodologies that researchers use to collect data, analyze it, and draw conclusions. This plan is critically important as it dictates how the research questions will be addressed, the type of data to be gathered, how that data will be analyzed, and how the research will be structured overall. A well-defined research design ensures that the study is systematic, valid, and able to effectively answer the research questions posed.

In contrast, the other options describe elements that are not comprehensive enough to encapsulate the concept of research design. A financial plan relates to budgeting rather than the overall research framework. The subject matter focuses on the content of the study but does not outline how the research will be conducted. The location pertains to where the research will occur but is only a small component of the overall research design strategy. Hence, identifying research design as the overall strategy is both accurate and essential for effective research planning and execution.