Formulate research questions using FINER criteria (Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant). Use when: (1) Starting new research projects, (2) Refining study scope, (3) Grant proposal development, (4) Ensuring research question quality.
View on GitHubastoreyai/ai_scientist
research-assistant
January 20, 2026
Select agents to install to:
npx add-skill https://github.com/astoreyai/ai_scientist/blob/main/skills/research-questions/SKILL.md -a claude-code --skill research-questionsInstallation paths:
.claude/skills/research-questions/# Research Question Formulation Skill ## Purpose Develop high-quality research questions using FINER criteria. ## FINER Criteria **F - Feasible** - Adequate participants available - Sufficient technical expertise - Affordable in time and money - Manageable in scope **I - Interesting** - Interesting to investigator and community - Relevant to scientific knowledge - Relevant to clinical/policy importance **N - Novel** - Confirms/refutes previous findings - Extends previous findings - Provides new findings **E - Ethical** - IRB approvable - Benefits outweigh risks - Equipoise exists **R - Relevant** - Advances scientific knowledge - Influences clinical practice or policy - Informs future research ## Examples **Poor Question:** "Does stress affect health?" - Too broad, not specific **Better Question:** "Does chronic work-related stress increase cardiovascular disease risk in middle-aged adults?" - Specific population, exposure, outcome **Best Question:** "Among adults aged 40-60 with high job strain (Karasek Job Content Questionnaire score >24), does a 12-week mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention reduce systolic blood pressure compared to usual care?" - PICO format: Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome - Measurable variables - Specific timeframe --- **Version:** 1.0.0