From the Guidelines
A framing study is a research method that examines how the presentation or "framing" of information affects people's decisions and judgments, and its primary purpose is to understand how different presentations of the same information can influence outcomes, as seen in the context of physical activity messaging 1. To conduct an effective framing study, several key considerations must be taken into account.
- First, clearly define your research question about how different presentations of the same information might influence outcomes.
- Design an experiment with at least two conditions that present identical information in different frames (typically gain vs. loss framing, or positive vs. negative framing), as evidenced by the scoping review on physical activity messaging 1.
- Randomly assign participants to these conditions, ensuring adequate sample size for statistical power.
- Measure participants' responses using validated instruments, and analyze the data to determine if framing significantly affected decisions or attitudes. The importance of framing in influencing behavior is highlighted by the fact that people tend to be risk-averse when considering gains but risk-seeking when facing losses, a phenomenon explained by prospect theory in behavioral economics 1. Framing studies have practical applications in various fields, including:
- Healthcare communication
- Public policy
- Marketing
- Any field where persuasive communication is important, as they can inform the development of effective messages that promote positive behaviors, such as increased physical activity 1. In the context of intervention development, framing studies can also inform the design of interventions by considering the potential impact of different message frames on behavior, as emphasized in the consensus-based core recommendations for stroke rehabilitation research 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Purpose of a Framing Study
The purpose of a framing study is to develop a well-defined research question that guides the entire research process. This involves:
- Identifying the population, intervention, comparator, and outcome (PICO) [ 2, 3 ]
- Ensuring the research question is feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant (FINER) [ 2, 3 ]
- Formulating a hypothesis that is derived from the research question 3, 4
- Developing specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-defined (SMART) objectives 2
Importance of Framing a Research Question
A well-framed research question is crucial to:
- Avoiding research wastage 5
- Ensuring the study is focused and relevant 4
- Guiding the study design and methodology 6
- Producing trustworthy outcomes with wide-ranging social and health implications 4
Key Considerations
When framing a research question, it is essential to: