Why are Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria Important?
Inclusion and exclusion criteria are essential for several reasons:
1. Ensuring Safety: They help in protecting participants from potential harm by excluding those who may face adverse effects. 2. Improving Validity: By carefully selecting participants, researchers can ensure that the study results are applicable to the target population. 3. Enhancing Reproducibility: Clearly defined criteria make it easier for other researchers to replicate the study, which is crucial for scientific validation. 4. Resource Efficiency: They help in the optimal use of resources by focusing on participants who are most likely to benefit from the study.