This document discusses research design and its importance in conducting research. It defines research design as the conceptual framework for a research project that includes plans for data collection and analysis. The main purposes of research design are to provide a scheme for answering research questions, maintain control to avoid bias, and organize the study effectively. Different types of research designs are explored, including exploratory, descriptive, and experimental designs. Experimental design is discussed in further detail regarding its key principles of replication, randomization, and local control.