Literature Review Guide

PICO is a tool used to create clear, focused research questions in health and medical fields. It stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome, helping researchers identify who they’re studying, what they’re testing, what it’s compared to, and what results they want to measure.

In STEM research, variables are the parts of an experiment or study that can change or be measured, like temperature, time, or speed. A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction about how those variables are related. It gives your research a clear direction to test.

In the humanities, research often involves critical analysis and interpretation of texts, artworks, or historical sources. The aim is to identify gaps, patterns, and meanings in texts or sources. This process helps shape clear and original research questions.

In business research, questions often focus on real-world case studies (like companies or industries) or testing models such as theories of leadership, marketing, or finance. Researchers explore how these models work in practice, or what factors influence outcomes in specific business settings.

In design and creative arts, research can be practice-based, where the creative work itself (like a design, artwork, or performance) is part of the research. Questions often explore how creative methods, materials, or concepts are used to solve problems, express ideas, or influence audiences.

Education research often uses pedagogical frameworks (theories about how people learn) to guide questions. Researchers focus on specific learners, teaching methods, or settings to understand what improves learning, engagement, or outcomes in a particular educational context.

In the social sciences, research questions are shaped by theoretical frameworks (like feminism, social constructivism, or behavioural theory) and focus on social contexts such as culture, policy, or inequality. Researchers ask how and why people behave, interact, or experience certain issues within society.