Summary: Rigorous selection criteria protect study validity. Learn how to define inclusion, exclusion, and diversity criteria to avoid costly misrecruits.
Great research starts with choosing the right people. This article explains how to define clear selection criteria that go beyond demographics, so you recruit participants who can actually help you answer your research questions and avoid costly misrecruits.
Imagine you are running study to research a new fitness tool. You’ve written a flawless research plan , your tasks are ready, and you’ve recruited some people to participate. But when the first participant shows up, things start to fall apart: it’s clear that they’re not into fitness and they would never engage with your product.
You pay them and send them on their way, but after a few more sessions, a frustrating pattern emerges. Your data is all over the place, and you don't have the clarity your team needs.