Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The purpose of this chapter is to help readers identify psychosocial intervention research questions, determine their innovation, impact, and significance, and better understand how to use existing data and theory to support and refine the study question. Part of this discussion will include how to apply experimental therapeutics and a mechanistic approach to clinical trial research, which includes identifying mechanisms that drive intervention outcomes. The chapter provides guidance as to how to write clear and concise hypotheses and study aims. The chapter focuses in on exploratory research methods, including the best methods to use for exploration, ethical issues related to this research, common errors and incorrect assumptions about exploratory research findings. The chapter also provides estimated costs for conducting such research and the challenges related to inclusion when conducting secondary data analyses.</jats:p>