Table 4.

Formative Assessment of an Effective Specific Aims Page

Defining the Problem/Critical Need

Known about the subject

Knowledge gap(s)

The problem to solve due to the gap

Urgent/important about this as a priority problem to solve

Proposed Solution/Rationale

Central hypothesis/overall statement of need

Why choose this study to address the identified problem

Team’s qualification and research environment

Specific Aims

Major variables in each aim linked to gap

Testable hypotheses and planned interpretations for all findings

Alternative approaches for each aim in case of unexpected trouble

Payoff

Expected outcome and key learning from study

Innovation and impact of aims

One logical next research step if study is successful

Framing Using Only the Specific Aims Page

6 key words for the study

Project title in 200 characters/spaces