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Value of Imposing a Uniform Analysis Protocol

Determine whether imposing a uniform, fully specified analysis protocol that dictates every step of data processing and statistical analysis provides any benefit beyond ensuring that defects inherent in the protocol go undetected.

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Background

The chapter critiques the assumption that statistical analyses can be fully pre-specified and programmed to yield uniquely determined results. Even with such specification, different teams may still implement different programs based on their methodological training, which can lead to divergent outcomes.

Against this backdrop, the author explicitly notes uncertainty about whether enforcing a uniform protocol would accomplish anything beyond concealing defects embedded in that protocol. This unresolved point sits within a broader discussion of variability across analysts and the risks of overstandardization that may suppress detection of methodological flaws.

References

Even were this done, different research teams would use different programs based on their own methodological training, and it is not clear that imposing a uniform protocol would do more than ensure the defects of the protocol go undetected.

— Statistical methods: Basic concepts, interpretations, and cautions (2508.10168 - Greenland, 13 Aug 2025) in Page 5, paragraph beginning “This research reality is largely ignored by statistical methodologies...”