Research design is a plan for producing data that could, with proper analysis, provide answers to our research questions. Details of the design also provide information about the limitations of inference from the data. Chapter 6 presents a wide ranging overview of designs used in social-science research with their strengths and limitations. However, it must be noted that the descriptions do not go in any depth - they are sufficient for realising a particular design/strategy is suitable for one's current research question. For actual use, a researcher should refer to specific textbooks/monographs for each design. The only research design covered in more detail is the experimental design covered in chapter 10. 

Reading: Sekaran & Bougie, 7th Ed. Chapters 6 and 10.