title: The balance principle in scientific research.
abstract: The principles of balance, randomization, control and repetition, which are closely related, constitute the four principles of scientific research. The balance principle is the kernel of the four principles which runs through the other three. However, in scientific research, the balance principle is always overlooked. If the balance principle is not well performed, the research conclusion is easy to be denied, which may lead to the failure of the whole research. Therefore, it is essential to have a good command of the balance principle in scientific research. This article stresses the definition and function of the balance principle, the strategies and detailed measures to improve balance in scientific research, and the analysis of the common mistakes involving the use of the balance principle in scientific research.
authors.affiliation: Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China. lphu812@sina.com
authors.forename: Liang-ping
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Xiao-lei
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: Bao
authors.forename: Qi
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D012107:Research Design; D013223:Statistics as Topic