EBD Step 5: Develop a Hypothesis

The team identifies specific topic(s) for research and translates selected research topics into hypothesis(ses) about the relationships between design solution(s) and targeted outcome(s). Not every hypothesis needs to become a formal research project, and the organization should establish how many measures are already collected as part of a standard operating or reporting process.

Identify selected research topics for your project (P,D,R)

The project team creates criteria for evaluating, narrowing down, and determining research topics. Considerations should include how relevant topics are to organizational goals and what constraints (such as resourcesor funding) that would limit advancing the research.

Define the problem statement and research questions (P,D,R)

The team may be interested in understanding more about a broad topic, such as communication technology and the built environment, but there are many ways this might be considered. The project team divides research topics into manageable subtopics and formally documents research questions and problem statements.

Develop hypotheses (P,D,R)

The project team takes the research questions, the previously identified relationship between design solution (independent variable), and targeted outcome (dependent variable) and develops hypothesis statements. It is important to consider what variables (e.g. staff education, changes in organizational culture) other than physical environment will have an effect on the outcomes.

Develop research plan (P,R)

The project team identifies research methodology, metrics, funding, personnel, procedures, timeline, and obtains Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals if needed (an independent review to consider the ethics of the project and ensure the rights and welfare of human subjects are protected). This may be as simple as collecting existing metrics used by the organization or be a more controlled study requiring outside resources and expertise.

From a clinic perspective, having a team member familiar with evidence-based design or research will help you understand where outside resources and expertise may be required. There may be existing tools and methods available to use, but there may also be new material to be developed. If the clinic is associated with a hospital, there may be an identified process to work through the hospital’s IRB protocols. However, where an affiliation does not exist, there are independent IRBs that approve individual projects. Unlike clinical trials that have a direct clinical impact on patients, research surrounding the built environment is usually considered less invasive, and most often is considered as part of an expedited review process. Most peer-reviewed journals require IRB approvals to publish results.

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