What is a Research Question?

A well-designed research question forms the foundation of any research, service evaluation or quality improvement project.

Research questions help define what you want to investigate, guide your literature search and influence the methods used to collect and analyse information.

The clearer and more focused your question, the easier it will be to identify relevant evidence and design an appropriate study.

What You Will Learn

By working through this section, you will learn how to develop a focused research question and select an appropriate framework for your project.

Research Question Types

Understand the different types of research questions and when they may be used.

Research Frameworks

Learn how PICO, PEO and SPIDER can help structure a research question.

Refining Your Question

Develop a research question that is clear, focused, specific and answerable.

Choosing the Right Approach

Select an appropriate method and framework for your research topic.

Types of Research Questions

Research questions can serve different purposes. Consider what you are trying to understand before choosing an approach.

Descriptive

Describe a population, characteristic or phenomenon in depth. These questions may ask how often something occurs or what characteristics are present.

Comparative

Compare differences between groups, interventions, treatments or outcomes.

Relationship

Investigate associations or relationships between two or more variables.

Contextual

Identify and describe the nature of an existing situation, service or environment.

Evaluation

Assess the effectiveness of existing methods, interventions, protocols, procedures or services.

Exploratory

Investigate topics where little is currently known or explore previously unidentified aspects of a subject.

Choosing a Research Framework

Research frameworks help organise the main elements of a question and support a focused literature search.

PICO

Commonly used for quantitative and evidence-based clinical questions.

  • P: Patient or problem
  • I: Intervention
  • C: Comparison
  • O: Outcome

PEO

Commonly used for qualitative research questions and exploring experiences.

  • P: Population
  • E: Exposure
  • O: Outcome or outcomes

SPIDER

Commonly used for mixed-methods or qualitative research.

  • S: Sample
  • PI: Phenomenon of interest
  • D: Design
  • E: Evaluation
  • R: Research type

Before You Move On

Ask yourself:

  • Is the question clear?
  • Is the question focused and specific?
  • Can the question realistically be answered?
  • Will the results be useful?

How to Complete this Stage at BCHC

When developing your research question, use the following BCHC resources and support options:

  1. Search the BCHC Library Knowledge Database.
  2. Contact Smallwood Library or submit a literature-search request through BaseDoc.
  3. Search the Cochrane Library for relevant systematic reviews.
  4. Ask the Research & Innovation Team about Critical Appraisal Topics support.
  5. Access literature-searching or critical-appraisal training.
  6. Seek guidance from the Research & Innovation Team and supporting academics.
  7. With your manager's support, consider an appropriate university module.

Research Support Resources

Use the links below to find existing evidence and access further research support.

BCHC and external research support resources
Resource Purpose Access
Knowledge Database Search previous research, service evaluations and audits. Access the Knowledge Database
Smallwood Library Access library services and support with literature searching. Smallwood Library 
BaseDoc Submit a request for literature-searching support. Access Basedoc 
Cochrane Library Search systematic reviews and research evidence. Search the Cochrane Library
Information Skills Training Develop literature-searching and critical-appraisal skills. View training information

Download the Research Questions Crib Sheet

Use the crib sheet as a quick reference guide when developing your research question.

Click Here to Download 

Our Partners

We are always keen to hear from industrial or academic organisations that would like to partner with us on research and innovation projects.

If your institution is interested in partnering with us, please contact the Research & Innovation Team or learn more about our partners.