What does “Conceptualization” mean in CRediT?

Conceptualization is the CRediT role for generating the ideas behind a study and for formulating or refining its overarching research goals and aims, including the research question and hypotheses. It describes what the study sets out to find out, not how the work is carried out.

CRediT (Contributor Roles Taxonomy) describes contributions to a paper with 14 roles and is published as the ANSI/NISO Z39.104-2022 standard by NISO (National Information Standards Organization). NISO defines Conceptualization as “Ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims.” The role begins at a project’s inception and may continue throughout its life.

NISO’s examples cover spotting a problem worth studying, framing research questions and hypotheses, designing the frameworks, tools or experimental paradigms the study will use, and adjusting the aims as the project moves on.

The nearest role is Methodology. Read together, the definitions separate what the study asks (goals, questions, hypotheses) from how it will be answered (design, participants, measurement, analysis techniques). NISO’s examples are illustrative, though, and the lines are not sharp: both lists mention frameworks, and Supervision includes shaping a project’s direction. If one person did both, list both roles.

CRediT records contribution, not authorship. The ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) recommends that authors meet all four conditions: substantial input into planning the work (its conception or design) or into obtaining, analyzing or interpreting its data; drafting or critically revising it; approving the final version; and accepting accountability for it. Contributors who meet only some should be acknowledged, not listed as authors.

Example

In a hypothetical cohort study, the resident who turns a clinical observation into a research question and a testable hypothesis, and the senior colleague who helps sharpen the aims, would both appear in the statement as: A.B., C.D.: Conceptualization.

A point to watch

Do not limit Conceptualization to whoever first voiced the idea. NISO describes the role as one that can continue throughout the project, including the later refinement of goals and aims.

Related terms

Guides and tools

Sources

Conceptualization – CRediT — NISO (CRediT)
ANSI/NISO Z39.104-2022, CRediT, Contributor Roles Taxonomy — NISO, 2022
CRediT role descriptors — NISO (CRediT)
Supervision – CRediT — NISO (CRediT)
Methodology – CRediT — NISO (CRediT)
Defining the Role of Authors and Contributors (ICMJE Recommendations) — International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)
CRediT author statement — Elsevier