Framing a research question - PICO - PEO - SPICE
It's important to formulate a focused research question for your academic work. There are different frameworks you can use to help structure your research question. The different frameworks are applicable for different kind of studies.
- The PICO framework is suitable for research questions looking at clinical treatments and interventions.
- The PEO framework is suitable for qualitative research questions and relates to person, environment and work.
- The SPICE framework is suitable for qualitative research topics evaluating the outcomes of a service, project, or intervention.
Learn more about the different frameworks below, and see which framework is suitable for your topic.
PICO
Video (1:43 min). How to use PICO to refine your research question. Medical College of Wisconsin Libraries.
PEO
Video (2:53 min). PEO and PICO question.
SPICE
Setting - Where is the study being undertaken?
Perspective - For whom? Who are the targets or participants of the study?
Intervention - What is the change or intervention being studied?
Comparison - What is the intervention being compared to?
Evaluation - With what result? How is the result being measured?
Source: Adapted from Booth, A. (2006). Clear and present questions: Formulating questions for evidence based practice. Library Hi Tech, 24(3), 355-368. https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830610692127 Links to an external site.
Learn more:
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Using PICO and PEO frameworks Links to an external site. A few examples of PICO and PEO questions. University of Suffolk.
- Define the Question - Models and Frameworks Links to an external site. Examples of which models are suitable for different types of questions. Here you can also find examples of the SPICE model. James Cook University. Library and information services.
- Write a focused clinical question (PICOT) Links to an external site. Examples of different types of PICO questions, depending on the typ of study you are doing. Cline Library, Northern Arizona University.