Research process: research question formulation

 Steps to be implemented while planning, formulating and documenting a research question:

1. Evaluation framework: FINER research framework [1,2]:

    1. Feasibility
    2. Interesting
    3. Novelty
    4. Ethical
    5. Relevant


2. Question diagram template [3,4].
3. Data
a. Identify data sources and shortlist some that could help answer the research question defined in QD.
b. Review meta data of shortlisted datasets. Verify whether variables present in the shortlisted dataset would help in answering the research question.
c. Review data quality: missing data, implausible data.
d. Review research papers and corresponding impact (citations) previously published using shortlisted dataset. Specifically, review the known limitations related to the shortlisted dataset (Usually described at the end of discussion section in a manuscript).
4. Data access: Understand local/national rules and regulations, contract terms and conditions set by data providers.
5. Explore potential for strategic partnerships/collaboration/commercial opportunities (mutual win-win).
6. Expertise and experience: evaluate whether research team has the expertise and experience needed to plan, design, execute the research project within reasonable time.
7. Statistical analysis: determine the type of statistical tests that would help analyze the research data and generate insights.

7. References:
    1. Hulley SB, Cummings SR, Browner WS, Grady DG, Newman TB. Designing clinical research. 3rd ed. Philadelphia (PA): Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2007.
    2. “FINER: a Research Framework” on the Elsevier Author Services blog , URL: https://scientific-publishing.webshop.elsevier.com/research-process/finer-research-framework/
    3. Pietrobon, R., Guller, U., Martins, H. et al. A suite of web applications to streamline the interdisciplinary collaboration in secondary data analyses. BMC Med Res Methodol 4, 29 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-4-29.
    4. Ferreira AP, Rajgor D, Shah J, Shah A, Pietrobon R. Global research coaching in orthopedic surgery: seeding for an international network. Acta Ortop Bras. 2012;20(2):110-7. doi: 10.1590/S1413-78522012000200010. PMID: 24453591; PMCID: PMC3718427.

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