Research Question and Protocol Elements

Flashcards covering the elements of a study protocol and the key characteristics of a good research question based on the lecture.

Research Question

The core element of a study protocol that specifies what questions the study will address.

Significance (Background)

The study protocol element that explains why the research questions are important, cites relevant prior research, identifies existing problems or gaps, and shows how findings will resolve uncertainties.

Simple Research Question

A research question that contains only one predictor variable and one outcome variable.

Specific Research Question

A research question that uses concise operational definitions to summarize the nature and source of subjects and variable measurement, leaving no ambiguity about statistical significance testing.

Stated in Advance

The practice of defining the research question prior to conducting the study to maintain focus on the primary objective and enhance the credibility of findings.

Feasible Research Question

A research question that can be realistically answered given the required number of subjects, technical expertise, scope, and cost in time and money.

Interesting Research Question

A research question that passes the "So what?" test, where the investigator's primary motivation is to get at the truth of the matter.

Novel Research Question

A research question that contributes new information, which can include confirmatory studies that fix previous weaknesses, apply findings to new populations, or use improved measurement techniques.

Ethical Research Question

A research question that avoids unacceptable physical risks or invasion of privacy and meets institutional review board approval.

Relevant Research Question

The most important characteristic of a good research question, defined by its potential to advance scientific knowledge, influence clinical management and health policy, or guide future research.