Writing a scientific paper prior to the research.

We propose that many potential pitfalls of a research study can be brought to light through the exercise of writing a zeroth draft of the paper before beginning formal data collection. Further, because the zeroth draft of the paper contains the elements required in most research proposals--background, rationale, approach to data analysis, methods, and significance--it may serve as a generic grant application that can be easily recast in the style required by a specific funding agency. Moreover, the task of preparing the final report after completing the study is a shorter, less painful process if one has only to revise the zeroth draft rather than face the blank page. In these ways writing the scientific paper before gathering the data can help an investigator plan, fund, execute, and report a study that asks and answers specific and important questions.