Question frameworks help break up your research topic into concepts from which you can develop a well-formulated research question and start building your search strategy.
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PICO
Also: PICO-T PICO-M PICO-C PICO-S |
Patient Intervention Comparator Outcome
Time; Methodology; Context; Study |
Health interventions, qualitative studies |
Qualitative questions evaluating experiences, meaningfulness
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Population |
Characteristics of a population (age, gender, ethnicity, etc) within a specific condition or set of circumstances. Example: Children |
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| Exposure | Medical, Behavioral, Occupational or Environmental factors that affect a population. Example: Traffic-related Pollution |
| Outcome | The result of said exposure on the population. Example: ADHD diagnosis |
| Sample | A segment of a population group--allows for researchers to more deeply consider the sampled nature of Qualitative Research. Example: Single Dads |
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| Phenomena of Interest | Certain behaviors, exposures, decisions, or experiences of interest. Example: Father involvement programs |
| Design | The theoretical framework used to determine what research methods are appropriate. Example: focus groups |
| Evaluation | What the researchers assess to determine the impact of the phenomena of interest. Example: child development |
| Research Type | Three types: qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods Example: Qualitative & mixed Methods |
| Expectation | The purpose of the query Example: Looking to improve rehabilitation times after ACL reconstruction surgery. What have others done? |
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| Client Group | Who does the query impact Example: People with reconstructed ACLs |
| Location | What is the setting of the impact Example: Physical Therapy Clinics |
| Impact | what is the change in the service, if any, which is being looked for? What would constitute success? How is this being measured? Example: to reduce the number of PT visits post ACL reconstruction |
| Professionals | what qualified staff or individuals are necessary Example: Physical Therapists |
| Service | the kinds of services or programs being assessed Example: exercises, stretches, cryotherapy |
| Context | Which individuals, relationships, institutional settings, or wider systems are being studied? Example: Long-Term care environments |
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| Intervention | The effects of what event, action, or activity are being studied? Example: collective bargaining agreements |
| Mechanisms | What are the mechanisms that explain the relationship between interventions and outcomes? Under what circumstances are these mechanisms activated or not activated? Example: competitive wage and benefit packages |
| Outcomes | What are the effects of the intervention? How will the outcomes be measured? What are the intended and unintended effects? Example: decreased turnover in Nursing staff |
| PICo |
Population/Problem Phenomenon of Interest Context
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Qualitative studies |
| SPICE |
Setting Perspective Intervention Comparison Evaluation |
Social Sciences |
| PCC |
Population Concept Context |
Scoping review |