In setting out your research objectives and outcome measures:
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You should be realistic in your goals – do not try to measure too many things.
Overstretching will make your study more prone to errors and less likely to reach completion.
You should use outcome measures that will answer your research question sufficiently.
For example, in a study that investigates the effect of supplements on anaemia, you are reasonably expected to measure haemoglobin levels.
Do not measure outcomes that are not relevant to your research question.
For example, in a study that investigates the effect of supplements on constipation, you would need to provide extra justifications for measuring peak flows (a measure of lung function).
You should not have hidden objectives.
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