What does a "research design" entail?

A research design entails a structured plan for conducting a study, which includes the methods and procedures for collecting and analyzing data. This plan serves as a blueprint that guides researchers in systematically addressing their research questions. It encompasses various components such as selecting the sample, choosing the research methods (e.g., experimental, observational, survey), and determining how data will be collected and analyzed.

By providing a clear framework, the research design ensures that the study is conducted in a coherent manner, allowing for reliable and valid conclusions to be drawn from the data. This is crucial in any research endeavor as it directly impacts the accuracy of the findings and the ability to replicate the study.

The other options, while related to research in some capacity, do not capture the essence of what a research design is. For example, previous research findings may inform a study but do not constitute the plan itself. Similarly, while a list of hypotheses can be part of the research process, it is just one aspect of the broader research design. Finally, interpreting research results comes after the study is conducted and analyzed, rather than being part of the initial design of the study.