Table 1 Evaluation items and subitems in the metrics used to assess the scientific hypotheses in clinical research

Clarity

Clear purposes

The hypothesis is clear in each aspect (i.e., subitems), evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale

Clear, focused groups

Specified variables

Specified relationships among variables

Overall clear

Clinical relevance

Impact on current clinical practice

To test if the hypothesis has the potential to have a significant impact on each of these aspects (i.e., subitems), evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale

Impact medical knowledge

Impact health policy

Overall clinically relevant

Ethicality

No ethical concerns

When conducting a study to test a given hypothesis, there are no ethical concerns (regarding stakeholders and conduction). Consider using binary options instead of a 5-point Likert scale

Trade my place with a participant if eligible

Overall, an ethical study to test

Feasibility

Regarding needed costs

To test if the hypothesis is feasible regarding the available resources and scope of the work, evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale

Regarding needed time

Regarding the scope of the work

Overall feasible

Interestingness

It interests me

The researcher should be able to find interested collaborators easily in the field; consider using binary options instead of a 5-point Likert scale

I will pursue it if possible.

Overall an interesting idea

Novelty

Leads to innovation in medical practice

To test if the hypothesis has the potential to lead to innovations in each of these aspects (i.e., subitems), evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale

This leads to new methodologies for clinical research

It may alter previous findings

Leads to novel medical knowledge

This leads to new findings, which can be incremental

Overall novel

Potential benefits and risks

Significant benefits

To test if the hypothesis has the potential to provide significant benefits over risks to stakeholders; consider using binary options instead of a 5-point Likert scale

No or tolerable risks

The overall benefits outweigh the risks

Significance

Addressing established medical needs

To test if the hypothesis has the potential to have an impact on each of these aspects (i.e., subitems), evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale

Impact future direction of the field

Impact on the target population

Impact the cost and benefit

Overall significant

Testability

It can be tested in an ideal setting

The hypothesis can be tested, regardless of feasibility, and evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale

Adequate number of patients to choose from

Overall testable

Validity

Scientific validity

The hypothesis is scientifically and clinically valid, evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale

Clinical validity

Overall valid