framework-guided-formulation

Research

Strategy: Select an RQ framework (PICO/SPIDER/SPICE/ECLIPSE) and apply it systematically

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Framework-Guided Formulation

Select the most suitable RQ framework and apply it systematically — when the research type is clear, use a standard framework to structure the question.

When to Use

The research type is clear (quantitative/qualitative/mixed/evaluation)
A corresponding standard framework is available
You need to ensure all components of the question are complete

Thinking Framework

Core logic: Different research types have different standards for a "good question." A framework is a checklist, distilled by predecessors, of "what components a good question should contain." Pick the right framework → fill in each component → naturally arrive at a structured question.

Framework Selection Guide

Research type	Recommended framework	Core components
Quantitative/intervention research	PICO/PICOTS	Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (+Time, Setting)
Qualitative research	SPIDER	Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research type
Evaluation research	SPICE	Setting, Perspective, Intervention, Comparison, Evaluation
Mixed methods	ECLIPSE	Expectation, Client group, Location, Impact, Professionals, Service

Framework Application Principles

Every component must be explicitly filled in (no blanks)
Filled content must be specific (not "relevant population" but "type 2 diabetes patients aged 18–65")
If a component is not applicable, explicitly state why it is not applicable

Budget Gate

Tier	Framework candidates	Framework application	FINER check	Output
S	≥2 frameworks compared	Selected framework, all components filled	All 5 items pass	≥1 RQ
M	≥3 frameworks compared	Selected framework, all components + alternative framework comparison	5 items + success criteria	≥2 RQ
L	≥4 frameworks compared	Multiple frameworks applied in parallel + optimal selection	5 items + criteria + sensitivity	≥3 RQ

Default Reference Flow

Determine the research type (quantitative/qualitative/mixed/evaluation)
Match candidate frameworks (framework-matching SOP)
Apply the selected framework (pico/spider/spice/eclipse-application SOP)
FINER check (finer-criteria-check SOP)
Revise failed items → re-check
Produce the final RQ

context-checkpoint

After the Strategy completes, context-checkpoint must be called, recording:

The selected framework and rationale
The filled content of each framework component
The FINER check results
The final RQ statement

Available Tactics

Optional, no fixed order; the final leaf is always a sop.

Tactic	When to use
framework-selection-and-application	Tactic: Select the most suitable RQ framework and apply it systematically
question-refinement-loop	Tactic: iteratively refine a research question until it passes all 5 FINER criteria