Experiment design and setup checklist

An interactive checklist to confirm an experiment is designed to produce interpretable, reproducible results. Walk through hypothesis, endpoints, controls, sampling and power, protocols, pre-registration, data capture and QC, stopping rules, analysis plans, and compliance. Save answers and notes to record readiness and next steps.

Interactive Tool

Experiment design and setup checklist

Use this checklist to confirm your experiment is designed to yield interpretable, reproducible results. For each item, mark whether it is complete, add concise notes or links, and save the form. This creates a recorded readiness snapshot you can review before starting experiments or sharing with collaborators.

Is the hypothesis written clearly and falsifiably? Have you specified measurable success criteria (quantitative thresholds preferred)?
Write the primary hypothesis and what outcome would count as success. Include units, timing, and direction of effect.
List primary endpoint(s) and any secondary or exploratory endpoints. State measurement method and time points.
Select the design elements you have specified for this study.
Choose the randomization approach you will use.
Planned sample size for the primary endpoint. Enter numeric value or 0 if not applicable.
Planned statistical power (for example, 80).
Briefly state the assumptions used (effect size, variance, alpha) or paste a link to the calculation/document.
Are step-by-step protocols and SOPs recorded, versioned, and accessible to people performing the work?
Have you pre-registered the study or pre-specified the analysis plan?
If registered, paste the URL or registration identifier (optional).
Describe data capture systems, variables to be recorded, data dictionary link, QC checks, validation, and backup plans.
Is a detailed analysis plan pre-specified (models, covariates, handling of missing data, multiple-testing corrections)?
Name primary statistical models or analysis approaches and any pre-specified subgroup analyses.
Define interim analyses, stopping criteria, planned replication or validation steps, and reproducibility checks.
Select relevant compliance items that are complete for this experiment.
Quick self-assessment of experimental readiness across design, resources, approvals, and analysis.
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Use this space to capture outstanding actions, known risks, owners, and deadlines.
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