The PICOT acronym can help you format your research question.
P = Population or Problem
I = Intervention (or Influencer if looking at a risk factor)
C = Comparison (optional)
O = Outcome
T = Time (optional)
One example of how to put together a draft research question, Mad Libs style! Notice where the PICOT elements fit? This question doesn't have the optional Comparison or Time elements of PICOT. Simpler is often better!
How does (Independent Variable aka Intervention) influence (Dependent Variable aka measurable Outcome) among (specific Population)?
