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Developing a research question

Developing a research question

Copyright ©2025 CABI

Scientists looking at data on a tablet in a greenhouse

The research question is the crucial first step that sets the direction for the entire review.

It involves clearly defining what you want to investigate, often using frameworks like PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) to structure the question and specify its scope.

The question must be specific enough to be answerable yet broad enough to be meaningful.

This process ensures the review is focused and methodologically sound, guiding decisions on which studies to include and how to analyze the evidence.

A well-crafted research question is essential for producing a relevant and reliable evidence synthesis.

Level descriptors

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Understands that evidence syntheses should be based on an initial, clearly defined research question.

Demonstrates basic knowledge of one or more structured frameworks for developing research questions that are suitable for evidence synthesis e.g. PICO, SPIDER, PECO, ECLIPSE, SPICE, PerSPEcTiF or PCC.

Can suggest an appropriate review type (e.g. evidence map, systematic review, umbrella review) to answer a question.

Can explain how research questions map onto structured frameworks for evidence synthesis.

Demonstrates ability to refine a given topic into specific research question(s) which the evidence synthesis project will seek to answer (working with a team comprising topic experts and evidence synthesis specialists).

Advises on ways to improve the ability of others’ proposed research question to answer the basic problem, including splitting or broadening the review question.

Develops and/or delivers training to help people formulate good research questions and identify the appropriate structured frameworks to frame those questions.

Approves or authorizes research questions for evidence syntheses within your organization.

Works with partners and other stakeholders, to set priorities around research questions to be investigated.

Leads and promotes the development of good research questions on a national and international basis.

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