Evidence Synthesis

As you write your research question there are a few different frameworks you can choose from that will help you identify key concepts of your research question and determine your study's inclusion/exclusion criteria.

A good question...

• Focuses your information needs
• Identifies key search concepts
• Points you in the direction of potential resources

Good formats for questions will center your population or setting.

In _______________ (population), how does _______________________ (variable a) affect  ____________________ (variable b)?

In _________________ (setting), how does ____________________ (exposure) affect  ____________________________ (variable)? 

PICO (Health Sciences)

• P - Population/Problem

• I - Intervention/Exposure
• C - Comparison
• O - Outcome
• (T - Time/Type of Study)

PICo 

• P - Population/Problem
• I - Phenomenon of Interest 
• Co - Context

PISCO (Public Health)

• P - Population
• I - Intervention
• S - Setting (if appropriate)
• C - Comparison or intervention (if approriate)
• O - Outcome you would like to measure or achieve

SPIDER 

• S - Sample
• PI - Phenomenon of Interest
• D - Design
• E - Evaluation
• R - Study Type

Qualitative Questions: The PS Model

P - Patient/Population

S- Situation

How do/does ___[P]____ experience _____[S]_____?

Ex. How do caregiver-spouses of Alzheimer patients experience placing their spouse in a nursing home?