What is the term for a detailed plan or method used to obtain data scientifically?

The term that refers to a detailed plan or method used to obtain data scientifically is research design. Research design encompasses the overall strategy that you use to integrate the different components of the study in a coherent and logical way, ensuring you effectively address the research problem. It outlines the approach you will take, including how data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted, thereby shaping the study's structure.

In contrast, methodology often describes the theoretical framework behind the choice of research strategy and includes the rationale for selecting specific methods. While methodology is an important component of research, it is broader than just the specific plan or structure, which is more accurately captured by the concept of research design. Data collection, on the other hand, refers specifically to the processes and techniques used to gather information, making it a subset of what is considered in a research design. Research framework is less commonly used in this context and may imply a more abstract outline rather than the specific plan necessary for data acquisition.