Question formulation
In the world of evidence synthesis, question formulation is frequently guided by frameworks in order to ensure the appropriate amount of rigour is applied in consideration of the question. Asking the right question is crucial as it will guide all the further steps in the process, and therefore, it behooves the researcher to spend considerable time and effort ensuring they are, indeed, asking the right question. Applying a framework is a good start.
A question framework should (i) recognize setting, environment or context; (ii) acknowledge different stakeholder perspectives; (iii) accommodate
time/timing and place; (iv) be sensitive to qualitative data.
Traditional frameworks used in quantitative research such as PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcome) are not necessarily the most useful when engaging in QES. Therefore, there are a variety of more complex frameworks more suited to exploring qualitative data that can help question formulation. Below are frameworks that you may wish to explore:
SPICE
SPICE stands for Setting (where?), Perspective (for whom?), Intervention (what?), Comparison (compared with what?) and Evaluation (with what result?).
A worked example of the SPICE framework could look like:
| S (setting) | Prison |
| P (population) | Incarcerated mothers |
| I (intervention) | Reading with their children in person |
| C (comparison)* | Sending videos of themselves reading to their children |
| E (evaluation) | Enhanced literacy for both mother and child |
* the comparison is optional
PerSPE(c)TiF
The PerSPE(c)TiF framework (Perspective, Setting, Phenomenon of interest/ Problem, Environment, Comparison (optional), Time/ Timing, Findings) was developed to incorporate both the setting and the context, items that are particularly pertinent to QES. Below is a worked example:
Sources and further reading
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
Booth, A., Noyes, J., Flemming, K., Moore, G., Tunçalp, Ö., & Shakibazadeh, E. (2019). Formulating questions to explore complex interventions within qualitative evidence synthesis. BMJ Global Health, 4(Suppl 1), e001107–e001107. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001107