Analysis Plan Chain AI Prompt

Step 1: Primary analysis specification — specify the primary outcome, primary predictor, and the exact statistical test with its parameters (test type, alpha level, directionality). Specify this before seeing data.
Step 2: Secondary analyses — list all secondary outcomes and exploratory analyses in priority order. Specify multiple comparison correction strategy. Distinguish confirmatory from exploratory analyses clearly.
Step 3: Assumption checks — for each planned analysis, list all statistical assumptions and the procedure to test them. Specify in advance what will be done if each assumption is violated.
Step 4: Missing data plan — specify the expected missing data mechanism, the primary handling strategy, and sensitivity analyses for alternative mechanisms.
Step 5: Power analysis — calculate required sample size for the primary analysis at 80% and 90% power. Account for expected attrition. Run sensitivity analysis showing N required across a range of effect sizes.
Step 6: Subgroup analyses — specify any pre-planned subgroup analyses. State the interaction test that will be used. Explicitly flag all unplanned post-hoc subgroup analyses as exploratory.
Step 7: Write the statistical analysis plan (SAP) — produce a complete, timestamped statistical analysis plan that will be preregistered before data collection begins. Include: primary estimand, all analysis specifications, assumption checks, missing data plan, and planned reporting format.