The point of a framework is to help you identify, articulate, and define the component parts of your research question.
Not all frameworks are suited to all questions. If you're asking a question that doesn't have a clinical, intervention- or experimentation-based approach, trying to fit your research question into a PICO framework will not be helpful. There are many well-established frameworks that are intended for different research approaches. Think about the elements of your research as you browse through the various options below.
Use the grid to identify frameworks that might fit your research parameters. Explore frameworks of interest further by selecting its tab.
Email us if there is a framework that should be included with this list.
| Clinical | Quantitative | Qualitative | Mixed Methods | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PICO |
yes | yes | ||
| PEO | yes | |||
| SPIDER | yes | yes | ||
| SPICE |
yes |
Explore the list of references below for an in-depth examination of these frameworks.
Patient / Population
Intervention
Comparison
Outcome
Used for: clinical research questions favouring interventions and experimental research
Alanazi, A. A., & Nicholson, N. (2023). The Use of Simulation in Audiology Education: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Audiology, 32(3), 640–656. https://doi.org/10.1044/2023_AJA-23-00054
Population
Exposure
Outcome
Used for: qualitative research questions favouring correlations or looking into experiences
Ortolan, A., Cozzi, G., Lorenzin, M., Galozzi, P., Doria, A., & Ramonda, R. (2021). The Genetic Contribution to Drug Response in Spondyloarthritis: A Systematic Literature Review. Frontiers in genetics, 12, 703911. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2021.703911
Sample
Phenomenon of Interest
Design
Evaluation
Research type
Used for: qualitative or mixed methods research that focuses on samples of populations rather than patients or populations
Althumairy R. I. (2022). Exploring the Quality of Life for Saudi Patients Utilizing Dental Healthcare Services: A Systematic Review. Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare, 15, 309–315. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S344963
Setting
Perspective
Intervention/exposure/interest
Comparison
Evaluation
Used for: qualitative research focussed on evaluating the outcomes of an intervention or project
Phelan, S., Lin, F., Mitchell, M., & Chaboyer, W. (2018). Implementing early mobilisation in the intensive care unit: An integrative review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 77, 91–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.09.019
There is nothing wrong with having a question that doesn't fit an established framework!
It's worth evaluating and editing your question before deciding that you need to invent your own framework. Perhaps you're interpreting a framework element in one way, but it could be understood in a way that allows it to match your question.
More important than fitting a pre-defined framework, though, is ensuring that your question is clearly articulated and well-defined.
Land Acknowledgement
Trinity Western University's Langley campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Stó:lō people. We are grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and learn on this land.
