Developing your research question is another key step in the evidence synthesis process. Formulating a clear, well-defined research question of appropriate scope is important. When you have formulated your research question ask yourself:
- Is the question answerable?
- Is it specific and focused?
- Has it already been answered by someone else?
Research Question frameworks can provide a structure for creating your research question. Some of the more common research question frameworks are listed below:
PICO for quantitative syntheses
- P Patient/Population/Problem
- I Intervention/Exposure
- C Comparison
- O Outcome(s)
PICo for qualitative syntheses
- P Population/Problem
- I Phenomenon of Interest
- Co Context
SPICE
- S Setting
- P Perspective (for whom)
- I Intervention/Exposure
- C Comparison
- E Evaluation
SPIDER for mixed-method qualitative research
- S Sample
- PI Phenomenon of Interest
- D Design
- E Evaluation
- R Research Type (qualitative study design)
PCC for scoping reviews
- P Population/Problem
- C Concept
- C Context
PEO for qualitative research
- P Patient/Population/Problem
- E Exposure
- O Outcome(s)
