What does a research design typically include?

A research design is a comprehensive plan that outlines how research will be conducted, incorporating various elements necessary for investigating research questions effectively. The correct answer focuses on the essential components of research design that encompass plans and procedures for data collection, analysis, and interpretation related to research questions.

This structure ensures that researchers have a systematic approach to examining the relationships among variables and can draw valid conclusions based on empirical evidence. Effective research design incorporates methods for both qualitative and quantitative analysis, outlining how data will be gathered, the types of samples that will be used, the tools for measurement, and the analytical techniques that will be applied to address the questions posed.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the full scope of what a research design entails. A complete research design cannot consist solely of qualitative analysis methods or rely on hypotheses without a defined structure. Additionally, while theoretical frameworks are critical in guiding the research, the design itself must encompass more than just these frameworks to be effective. Thus, a robust research design is characterized by its comprehensive plans and procedures that guide the research process from start to finish.