Frameworks
Purpose of frameworks in developing research questions for reviews
In research there is a potential of coming across the term "framework" in multiple contexts. For the purpose of developing a review the term "framework" refers to a tool used to formulate the research question. Frameworks provide a structured approach to the review process, by defining boundaries on the research question to make sure it stays focused on a specific topic.
Frameworks can be helpful in formulating a clear and answerable research question, by identifying the elements within the question.
There are many frameworks which can be customised to address different types of research questions. The most well-known framework is PICO, used to frame questions about the effectiveness of interventions. However, many other frameworks are suitable to address this type of question, as well as all types of questions across multiple discipline areas.
Note
Read the articles listed below for more information about using frameworks to form a research question for your review:
- Formulating the Evidence Based Practice Question: A Review of the Frameworks by K. S. Davies.
- Formulating questions to explore complex interventions within qualitative evidence synthesis by A. Booth et al. See supplementary material, for information specific to using frameworks to develop a question for a rapid review.
Explore common frameworks
There are various types of frameworks that can be applied to a research question. Frameworks can help to identify the key elements within a research question. This module focuses on commonly used frameworks in Health and Sciences literature based research.
Click on the plus (+) icons below to explore the definition, purpose, and examples for each framework type.
Activity: Match the framework to the question
Reviews can be exploring the same topic from different perspectives and for different reasons.
Below are three reviews looking at the topic of counselling for children. Think about and select the appropriate framework that has been used to frame each research question.
Activity overview
This interactive activity shows a series of review questions in a random order. The user needs to identify which review question framework has been applied appropriately to frame each review question.
Read the review questions below and think about which review question framework has been applied to frame it.
First review question
In school aged children with anxiety how effective is online counselling compared with in-person counselling in reducing panic attacks?
Activity: select the framework used to frame the review question
Choose from the frameworks below:
- PCC
- PEO
- PICO
- SPICE
- SPIDER
Answer to first review question
The PICO framework has been used to frame this review question based on its key elements:
In school aged children with anxiety (P) how effective is online counselling (I) compared with in-person counselling (C) in reducing panic attacks (O)?
Second review question
What are the experiences of school aged children with anxiety undergoing online counselling in rural Australia?
Activity: select the framework used to frame the review question
Choose from the frameworks below:
- PCC
- PEO
- PICO
- SPICE
- SPIDER
Answer to second review question
The PCC framework has been used to frame this review question based on its key elements:
What are the experiences of school aged children with anxiety (P) undergoing online counselling (C) in rural Australia (C)?
Third review question
Children in rural Australia often lack access to in-person counselling services. From the perspective of their parents, how effective is online counselling compared with in person counselling?
Activity: select the framework used to frame the review question
Choose from the frameworks below:
- PCC
- PEO
- PICO
- SPICE
- SPIDER
Answer to third review question
The SPICE framework has been used to frame this review question based on its key elements:
Children in rural Australia (S) often lack access to in-person counselling services. From the perspective of their parents (P), how effective (E) is online counselling (I) compared with in person counselling (C)?
Remember and reflect
Key takeaway
A framework is a useful tool in shaping your review topic into a research question. A framework does this by identifying key elements from your review topic. These key elements can then be used when developing your search to address your research question.
Consider
Before beginning your search take a moment to clarify your research question. As it's important to have a clear and answerable research question at the beginning of your review process. If later in the review process your question changes, the risk of bias in your review increases. It may even require you to start the review process again from the beginning.