{
  "schema": "vedokrok.public-item.v1",
  "release_id": "MHC-RPUB-20260920-75ad787a",
  "url": "/knowledge/write-the-learning-question-before-the-interview-question",
  "id": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0750",
  "version": "0.1.0",
  "title": "Write the learning question before the interview question",
  "summary": "The sentence you ask is not the same thing as the thing you need to learn.",
  "kind": "protocol",
  "body": "Write the learning question first: the uncertainty that matters. Then design several neutral prompts that could reveal it from different angles. This prevents a convenient interview script from silently replacing the real research objective.",
  "limits": [
    "Exploratory research can have broader learning goals; do not invent a fake decision merely to satisfy the template."
  ],
  "topics": [
    "union-question-design-and-evidence-elicitation"
  ],
  "intents": [],
  "source_ids": [
    "RS-FA55A68BA3E929F2",
    "RS-49C81944D7E6105A"
  ],
  "evidence": [
    {
      "claim": "GOV.UK research guidance treats research questions as what the team needs to learn, which can differ from the literal questions asked to participants.",
      "source_id": "RS-FA55A68BA3E929F2",
      "role": "supports",
      "note": "The distinction is a planning device, not a formal scientific taxonomy.",
      "locator": "Capturing and prioritising research questions"
    },
    {
      "claim": "GOV.UK planning guidance recommends clear, actionable research objectives linked to assumptions and information needed for upcoming decisions.",
      "source_id": "RS-49C81944D7E6105A",
      "role": "supports",
      "note": "Some exploratory work legitimately starts without a single immediate decision.",
      "locator": "Research objectives and assumptions"
    }
  ],
  "use_when": [
    "You are about to ask someone questions but have not stated what decision-relevant uncertainty the conversation should reduce."
  ],
  "avoid_when": [
    "Exploratory research can have broader learning goals; do not invent a fake decision merely to satisfy the template."
  ],
  "example": "Instead of starting with 'Would reminders help?', write 'What currently causes users to miss the handoff?' and ask about the last real handoff.",
  "check": "You can explain how a plausible answer would change a decision or next investigation.",
  "steps": [
    "You can explain how a plausible answer would change a decision or next investigation."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "RS-FA55A68BA3E929F2",
      "title": "Capturing research questions",
      "url": "https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/user-research/capturing-research-questions"
    },
    {
      "id": "RS-49C81944D7E6105A",
      "title": "Plan a round of user research",
      "url": "https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/user-research/plan-round-of-user-research"
    }
  ],
  "relations": [
    {
      "from": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0750",
      "to": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0751",
      "type": "use_before",
      "url": "/knowledge/ask-for-the-last-real-example-before-asking-for-the-usual-process"
    }
  ],
  "collections": [
    {
      "id": "RC-F3F88D2D9DC3D150",
      "title": "Ask questions that produce usable evidence instead of polished generalities",
      "url": "/collections/ask-questions-that-produce-usable-evidence-instead-of-polished-generalities"
    }
  ]
}