Where student research fails

Over the years, when reviewing student research proposals, I have come to realise that there are a number of key features that distinguish proposals that are likely to result in a useful, publishable piece of research from those that are likely to founder, or not to be of publishable quality. There were originally ten tips, but I am indebted to my colleagues, especially those on the Research Ethics Committee, for adding their wisdom to the original ten and contributing an eleventh.