The research question clarifies a broader area interest into a more specific focus of interest (Bouchrika, 2020), creating an "unambiguous statement that clearly articulates the phenomenon you plan to investigate” (Kross & Giust, 2018).
A clear and comprehensive search strategy is a critical step in planning a systematic review. Searching frameworks are commonly used to ensure the essential concepts related to the research question have been identified.
The most commonly used framework is PICO: Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome. This framework is used most often for effectiveness reviews and can be adapted for other reviews.
Some research disciplines prefer different frameworks to PICO, particularly qualitative researchers. Review the tabs above for more details on other frameworks.
PCC: Population, Concept, Context. This framework is often applied to qualitative reviews.
CIMO: Context, Intervention, Mechanisms, Outcomes
SPIDER: Sample, Phenomena of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research Type
SPICE: Setting, Perspective, Interest, Comparison, Evaluation
Used in Realist reviews.
The following guides provide more models and frameworks across many different disciplines and types of research questions.
Booth, A. (2006). Clear and present questions: Formulating questions for evidence based practice. Library hi tech. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830610692127
Bouchrika, I.(2020). How to write a research question: Types, steps, and examples. https://research.com/research/how-to-write-a-research-question
Kross, J., & Giust, A. (2019). Elements of research questions in relation to qualitative inquiry. Qualitative Report, 24(1), 24-30. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2019.3426
Lipowski, E. E. (2008). Developing great research questions. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 65(17), 1667-1670. https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp070276
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